Diabetes Educator

Advocate Health and Hospitals Corporation • Delavan, WI

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Diabetes Educator provides diabetes self-management education and support in accordance with National Standards defined by the American Diabetes Association or the Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists. The role assesses patient learning needs, goals, and barriers, then tailors education and ongoing follow-up to support diabetes management and other referred diagnoses. Education may be provided individually or in groups and covers areas such as medication, nutrition, exercise, and blood glucose monitoring. Registered Dietitians also provide medical nutrition therapy when appropriate.

The educator collaborates with the healthcare team on comprehensive care plans, may adjust diabetes medications under provider order and protocol when competency requirements are met, and maintains knowledge of diabetes technologies and manufacturer protocols. The role documents and charges for services in compliance with CMS and payer requirements, contributes to patient education programs and materials, serves as a resource to providers, patients, and the community, and participates in community events and support meetings. Teammates who do not yet hold CDCES certification must complete required diabetes-related continuing education annually.

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.
• A master's degree in Dietetics is required if the Dietitian license was obtained after 01/01/2024.
• 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 potential to develop them, for group education classes or professional speaking opportunities.
• Self-directed.
• Ability to demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to provide age-appropriate care and knowledge of growth and development across the lifespan.

Nice To Haves

• Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) certification.
• Two years of patient-oriented educational experience, preferred, with broad knowledge of diabetes across age-appropriate populations and its relationship to co-existing health conditions.
• BSN, preferred if the degree is in Nursing.

Responsibilities

• Provide care in accordance with National Standards for Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support defined by the ADA or ADCES.
• 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 diabetes management instruction to inpatient and/or outpatient patients.
• 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 proven competencies and within departmental policy, adjust diabetes medications per protocol when permitted.
• 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.
• Demonstrate knowledge and skills appropriate to the ages of patients served and knowledge of growth and development across the lifespan.
• Participate in community events and coordinate support meetings as a community health resource.
• Participate in the development and evaluation of patient education programs and materials.
• Act as a resource for healthcare providers, patients, and the community.
• If not CDCES-certified, complete required hours of diabetes-related continuing education annually in accordance with ADA/ADCES requirements.

Benefits

• Paid time off programs
• Medical, dental, vision, life, and short- and long-term disability benefits
• Flexible Spending Accounts for eligible healthcare and dependent-care expenses
• Adoption assistance and paid parental leave
• Defined-contribution retirement plans with employer match and other financial wellness programs
• Educational Assistance Program
• Potential premium pay, incentive pay for select positions, and annual performance-based increases

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level