Diabetes Educator

Crawford County Clinic•Denison, IA

About The Position

The Diabetes Educator oversees the planning, implementation, and evaluation of the Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (DSMES) service, maintains ADCES accreditation, and participates in evaluating the service’s effectiveness. The role applies knowledge of diabetes pathophysiology, epidemiology, clinical management, cardiometabolic conditions, and self-management to clinical practice, using current research and evidence-based care. The Diabetes Educator provides individualized and group diabetes self-management education based on assessed needs, using teaching methods suited to each person’s learning preferences. The role partners with individuals across the lifespan to support behavior change and quality of life, applies the ADCES7 self-care behaviors, and completes comprehensive assessments that include emotional and behavioral health. The educator interprets personal health data, develops individualized care plans, promotes self-management, and collaborates with other healthcare professionals as needed. The position documents patient contacts, visits, and outcomes in the Electronic Health Record and outcomes database in a timely manner. It contributes to departmental goals, quality improvement, safety, and regulatory compliance; participates in meetings and committees; and represents the department and facility in community outreach as appropriate. The educator also meets professional requirements, including annual education, confidentiality, attendance, policy compliance, and participation in staff meetings and improvement activities.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in nursing or RD licensure.
At least two years of clinical experience, including educating patients on diabetes.
Active Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) certification from a recognized diabetes certification body; certification must be completed and maintained.
Basic Life Support certification.
Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office, including PowerPoint, Word, and Outlook.
Excellent written and verbal teaching and communication skills.
Ability to demonstrate initiative and teamwork and work with minimal direction.

Responsibilities

Oversee the planning, implementation, and evaluation of the DSMES service.
Maintain ADCES accreditation and participate in evaluating the DSMES service’s effectiveness.
Apply knowledge of diabetes pathophysiology, epidemiology, clinical management, cardiometabolic conditions, and self-management to clinical practice.
Advocate for and communicate about improved quality of care and outcomes for people living with, at risk for, or affected by diabetes and cardiometabolic conditions.
Participate in quality improvement and adapt practice or processes based on findings.
Partner with individuals to provide care and education that support behavior change and improved quality of life across the lifespan.
Apply current research and evidence-based care to practice.
Use the ADCES7 self-care behaviors to educate and initiate behavior change.
Provide diabetes self-management education in individual and group settings based on assessed needs, using teaching techniques sensitive to learning preferences.
Follow ADCES Diabetes Education Accreditation Program requirements based on the National Standards of Diabetes Self-Management and Support.
Complete comprehensive patient assessments, including emotional and behavioral health; interpret personal health data; develop individualized care plans; promote self-management; and collaborate with healthcare professionals as needed.
Document individual contacts and visits in the Electronic Health Record and outcomes database in a timely manner.
Contribute to departmental goals and objectives and follow department policies, procedures, quality standards, and safety standards.
Comply with governmental and accreditation regulations.
Participate in meetings, serve on committees, and represent the department and facility in community outreach as appropriate.
Complete annual education requirements and maintain patient confidentiality.
Report to work on time and as scheduled, wear identification while on duty, and maintain regulatory requirements.
Represent the organization professionally, comply with organizational policies, and conduct oneself in accordance with PRIDE values.
Participate in performance improvement and continuous quality improvement activities.
Attend regular staff meetings and in-services.
Perform other duties as assigned.