Diabetes Educator - RN - Full time

Northeast Georgia Health System•Gainesville, GA

About The Position

Assists in the coordination of the diabetes education program for NGHS. Provides a variety of patient education programs to meet the needs of the physicians, nursing staff and students, inpatients and families, outpatients and families, other medical disciplines, and the community at large. Teaches patients of all ages. Content for teaching includes Type 1, Type 2, Gestational diabetes, Insulin Pump and other content as requested. This position will care for patients in the child, adolescent, adult, and geriatric age groups. Employee performs clinical duties in accordance with population specific guidelines and adheres to National Patient Safety Goals as outlined in policy and procedures. The Diabetes Educator assists in the advancement of the professional practice environment by communicating the NGHS nursing strategic direction and focusing on activities that support the nursing strategic direction. Provides nursing involvement support for VOICE and the nursing quality teams including coaching team members in their professional participation. Assists with overall clinical governance and other projects as assigned.

Requirements

Licensed to practice as an RN in Georgia.
CDE within two (2) years of hire.
A degree in nursing (either BSN or MSN).
Three (3) years of direct care RN nursing experience with a minimum of one (1) year in an acute care facility.
Professional Organization membership within one month of hire in to the role.

Nice To Haves

A Masters Degree (Nursing or other is possessing a BSN) within five (5) years.
Previous staff development and education experience.
Relevant clinical experience.
Good interpersonal skills; good verbal and written communication skills.
Knowledge of audiovisual equipment.

Responsibilities

Participates in the successful operations of the department and assists with developing and meeting the goals of the department.
Assesses both inpatients and outpatients and/or family significant others referred for diabetes education; reviews their medical history, evaluates their individual learning needs and helps develop an education plan to meet their needs.
Responds to inpatient teaching requests within 24 to 48 hrs.; recommends outpatient education when appropriate.
Provides education to patients and/or families by teaching information regarding their diagnosis and the self-management needed to prevent complications.
Provides individual and group counseling and education regarding diabetes self-management to outpatients enrolled in the Diabetes Education Program.
Reviews and recommends current educational materials, audiovisuals and a variety of products based on patient needs.
Participates in review and development of diabetes programs and lesson plans.
Actively participates and promotes diabetes protocols as approved by the Diabetes Advisory Board.
Responsible for assisting in the growth and promotion of diabetes education throughout NGHS and the community.
Serves as a resource for the diabetes education team, other NGHS staff, outpatients and community.
Participates in departmental, hospital and/or community activities that promote wellness.
Facilitates diabetes focused support groups.
Presents community and/or organizational programs on diabetes and related topics as requested.
Meets with product and pharmaceutical representatives to stay current on new products and research.
Maintains effective written and verbal communication.
Completes all required documentation in an appropriate and timely manner.
Documents in patients’ charts providing complete medical information and education received as required by JCAHO and ADA Recognition.
Communicates well with other healthcare team members through patient conferences, e-mail and staff meetings and with other Diabetes Education Program Staff to help coordinate and successfully meet ADA recognition requirements.
Actively participates in hospital committees as a department representative.
Participates in the successful and safe operations of the unit and observes rules of conduct.
Actively practices principles learned including but not limited to: Universal Precautions, fire and disaster, safety, MSDS, PI, etc.
Consistently uses proper safety equipment and follows rules of conduct safety.
Maintains a commitment to education and personal growth and seeks educational opportunities to increase clinical competency, including age-specific care, sufficient to meet requirements for certification.
Successfully completes mentoring class.
Assists with mentoring of Registered Nurses when other mentor resources have been assigned.
May mentor more as desired.