Endocrinology- RN/Diabetes Educator (CDE)- 36hr

Connecticut Children's Medical Center•Hartford, CT

About The Position

Provides diabetes education to children, their families, and other health care providers throughout the continuum of care. Using the nursing process, assesses and evaluates patient needs and delivers comprehensive education, including initial and ongoing assessment, treatment recommendations, and evaluation, in accordance with the written policies and curriculum of the Connecticut Program for Children with Diabetes. Supports providers with treatment recommendations within the RN scope of practice, medication reviews, and quality outcomes for treatment plans. The role also provides diabetes and nutrition education for departmental research protocols and direct patient education consistent with current national standards. The RN/Diabetes Educator serves as a resource to other care providers on diabetes management and, if needed, participates in a rotating weekend on-call schedule to educate families of children newly diagnosed with diabetes. Under medical-provider supervision and department protocol, manages hyperglycemia, hypoglycemia, and intercurrent illnesses, including related insulin or nutrition prescription adjustments. Maintains current knowledge of standards of care, research, diabetes technology, and insulin prescriptions, and performs other clinical responsibilities of a Registered Dietitian or Registered Nurse. The position collaborates with care coordinators and team members to meet patient needs and coordinate educational programs, maintains professional credentials through continuing education, and completes office notes in a timely manner. It requires age-appropriate care for patients from neonates through adolescents, cultural sensitivity, and behaviors consistent with the organization’s standards, mission, values, and goals. The role emphasizes teamwork, empathy, and a patient- and family-focused experience.

Requirements

Degree or diploma from an accredited nursing program for registered nurses.
Current Connecticut Registered Nurse licensure, which must be maintained.
Current Basic Life Support (BLS) / CPR certification for adults, children, and infants upon hire.
If the candidate has an ADN, a BSN must be obtained within three years of hire.
If not currently a Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE), certification must be obtained within two to three years after hire.
Knowledge of pathophysiology, epidemiology, and clinical practice related to prediabetes and diabetes, consistent with practice level.
Ability to provide culturally competent diabetes support and care across the lifespan.
Knowledge of teaching, learning, and/or behavior-change principles to facilitate diabetes self-management.
Ability to work with an interdisciplinary diabetes care team to tailor interventions to individual self-management education needs.
Knowledge of program and/or business management principles that support successful diabetes self-management.
Knowledge of medical nutrition therapy consistent with Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics standards, medical terminology consistent with training and practice, and drug-nutrient interactions.
Proficiency with electronic health and medical records and Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access.
Accurate keyboarding ability and math skills.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and credentials to practice as a Registered Nurse in Connecticut.
Pediatric nursing experience.
Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE) certification through the National Certification Board for Diabetes Educators.
Involvement in professional organizations related to diabetes education is encouraged.

Responsibilities

Assess and evaluate patient needs and provide comprehensive diabetes education, including initial and ongoing assessment, treatment recommendations, and evaluation, according to program policies and curriculum.
Support providers with treatment recommendations within the RN scope of practice, including reviewing medication needs and treatment-plan quality outcomes.
Provide diabetes and/or nutrition education for departmental research protocols.
Provide direct patient education consistent with current national standards, including standards of the American Diabetes Association and the American Association of Diabetes Educators.
Act as a resource to other care providers regarding diabetes management.
If needed, participate in a rotating weekend on-call schedule to provide timely education to families of children newly diagnosed with diabetes.
Manage hyperglycemia, hypoglycemia, and intercurrent illnesses, including insulin or nutrition prescription adjustments under medical-provider supervision and department protocol.
Maintain current knowledge of standards of care, research, diabetes technology, and available insulin prescriptions.
Fulfill other clinical responsibilities of a Registered Dietitian or Registered Nurse.
Collaborate with care coordinators and team members to meet patient-care needs and coordinate educational programs.
Maintain professional credentials by completing continuing education requirements.
Demonstrate age-appropriate care for patients from neonates through adolescence and cultural sensitivity in interactions with patients and families.
Demonstrate behaviors consistent with the organization’s mission, values, goals, and standards, including teamwork, empathy, and a patient- and family-focused approach.
Complete office notes in a timely manner.