Diabetes Educator

Advocate Health•Salem, WI

3d•$36 - $53•Onsite

About The Position

The Diabetes Educator provides diabetes self-management education and support (DSMES) in accordance with standards established by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) or the Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists (ADCES). The educator assesses patient learning needs, goals, and barriers, then tailors education and support to patients’ needs. They provide individual and group instruction on diabetes management, including medication, nutrition, exercise, and blood glucose monitoring, and provide ongoing follow-up. Registered Dietitians also provide medical nutrition therapy (MNT) for patients with diabetes or another referring diagnosis. The role collaborates with the healthcare team on comprehensive care plans, maintains knowledge of diabetes technology and manufacturer protocols, and stays current with developments in diabetes care and ADA standards. Under provider order, with demonstrated competencies and within departmental policy, the educator may adjust diabetes medications according to protocol. The position also requires documenting and charging for services in accordance with CMS and payer requirements for DSMT and MNT. The educator provides age-appropriate care, participates in community events and support meetings, contributes to the development and evaluation of patient education programs and materials, and serves as a resource to providers, patients, and the community. Teammates who do not yet hold CDCES certification must complete the required annual diabetes-related continuing education hours. The position is full time, 32 hours per week, with a Monday–Thursday schedule from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Mondays are at the Paddock Lake Clinic and Tuesdays through Thursdays are at the Delavan Clinic. Fridays, weekends, and holidays are off. The work environment is clean, well-lit, and comfortable, with possible exposure to infections, contagious diseases, and patient illnesses, and occasional irregular hours.

Requirements

Current license or certification to practice as a Registered Nurse (RN) or Registered Dietitian in the applicable state.
Degree in Nursing, Dietetics, or another related discipline that meets CDCES certification eligibility requirements.
If not already CDCES-certified, obtain certification within two years preferred, but no later than three years.
Strong oral and written communication skills.
Organizational and effective time-management skills.
Flexibility to adapt to changes in daily routine.
Public speaking skills, or the potential to develop them, for group education classes or professional speaking opportunities.
Self-directed.
Ability to demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of patients served, including knowledge of growth and development across the lifespan.

Nice To Haves

Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) certification is preferred.
Two years of patient-oriented educational experience is preferred, with broad diabetes knowledge for an age-appropriate population and its interrelation to co-existing health conditions.
BSN preferred for candidates with a nursing degree.
A master's degree in Dietetics is required if the Dietitian license was obtained after 01/01/2024.

Responsibilities

Provide diabetes self-management education and support according to ADA or ADCES standards.
Assess patient learning needs, goals, and barriers to care, and tailor educational interventions accordingly.
Lead individual and group education sessions on diabetes management, including medication, nutrition, exercise, and blood glucose monitoring.
Provide formal instruction on diabetes management to inpatients and/or outpatients.
If a Registered Dietitian, provide medical nutrition therapy for patients with diabetes or another referring diagnosis.
Provide ongoing support and follow-up to promote successful management of diabetes or another referring diagnosis.
Maintain knowledge of diabetes management technology and manufacturer protocols.
Collaborate with the healthcare team to develop and implement comprehensive care plans.
Under provider order, with demonstrated competencies and within departmental policy, adjust diabetes medications per protocol when authorized.
Stay current on developments in diabetes care and education and ensure compliance with ADA standards.
Document and charge for services in accordance with CMS and payer requirements and guidelines for DSMT and MNT services.
Provide care appropriate to the age of patients served and apply knowledge of growth and development across the lifespan.
Participate in community events and coordinate support meetings.
Participate in developing and evaluating patient education programs and materials.
Serve as a resource to healthcare providers, patients, and the community.
If not CDCES-certified, complete the required hours of diabetes-related continuing education annually per ADA/ADCES requirements.