Nurse Clinician, Diabetes Educator, 32 Hour Days

UMass Memorial Health•Worcester, MA

5d•Onsite

About The Position

This position is responsible for the assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of diabetes self-management education for patients and their families. The role involves collaborating with administrative and physician leadership within the Diabetes Center of Excellence to develop and deliver a new model of care for diabetes patients, families, and the community. The Nurse Clinician will also work with referring providers to implement diabetes self-management education and treatment plans.

Requirements

Associates degree from an accredited program in nursing.
Current licensure as a registered nurse in the state of Massachusetts.
Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE) credential required within two years of hire.
Proficiency in Microsoft Word.
Experience and proficiency with electronic medical records.
Thorough knowledge of the discipline of Nursing.
Ability to influence the quality of patient care in an advisory capacity to the physician and other health care team members.
Demonstrates skill in analyzing problems and making decisions.
Strong oral, written communication, and teamwork skills are essential to interact with patients, staff, and referring providers.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office products.
Proficiency with electronic medical records.

Nice To Haves

BSN degree in nursing from an accredited program.
Additional registration with the Commission on Dietetic Registration.
Knowledge of MS Excel and Power Point.
Two years diabetes related experience.

Responsibilities

Utilizes the nursing process, motivational interviewing techniques, and patient education principles to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate diabetes self-management plans for patients with diabetes across the continuum and cultures.
Conducts an assessment of the patient’s knowledge base of diabetes, readiness to learn, motivation to adhere with provider regimen, and identifies learning barriers (physical, cognitive, environmental, cultural, language, financial, psychological, spiritual), providing appropriate referral as necessary.
Demonstrates advanced knowledge of pre-diabetes, prevention of diabetes, and adult diabetes management concepts and skills including insulin starts, insulin to carb ratios, mealtime insulin based upon insulin to carb ratio, insulin pump therapy, glucose sensor training, continuous glucose monitoring, and prevention of diabetes complications.
Designs an individualized teaching plan according to provider treatment plan, in conjunction with the multi-disciplinary team and based upon mutually agreed goals with patient and family.
Participates in the development of telehealth and/or shared medical appointment initiatives when feasible.
Communicates with referring physician if referral is beyond scope of practice and discusses other referrals as necessary.
Works collaboratively and innovatively with referring providers and clinic staff to improve access to care for newly diagnosed diabetes patients.
Ensures patient and family members understand the proper use of insulin, insulin pumps, oral medications, signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia, DKA, prevention of complications of diabetes, sick day regimens, use of diabetes devices, glucometers, and diabetes software management programs.
Educates and motivates patients/families by imparting the pathophysiological and epidemiological basis for the disease process.
Articulates clinical practice guidelines associated with the AADE7 self-care behaviors framework.
Assesses the behaviors and motivation of the patient and family to facilitate lifestyle modification and prevent/reduce co-morbidities associated with chronic disease of diabetes.
Implements medical, behavioral, and educational plans to improve adherence with comprehensive plan of care and facilitates problem-solving to prevent short-term and long-term complications of diabetes.
Utilizes evidence-based practice, patient-centered care, adult teaching-learning methods, and motivational interviewing techniques to guide practice, provide education, and improve adherence in chronic disease management for patients and families.
Documents all content, including educational assessments, planning, intervention, behavioral goal setting, and outcomes, accurately in the electronic medical record.
Demonstrates proficiency within the expected timeframe for charge entry, monthly statistics, in accordance with ADA recognition and in compliance with UMMHC compliance and regulatory standards, insurance payer mandates, and Diabetes Center of Excellence standards.
Demonstrates flexibility, innovation, fiscal responsibility, and full engagement in the development of the Diabetes Center of Excellence and Accountable Care Organization.
Evaluates patient’s response to treatment modalities and reassesses/revises plan of care as needed to help patient attain goals.
Communicates with referring provider and documents as above.
Assesses the impact of social, economic, literacy, and cultural aspects and circumstances.
Models culturally competent behavior and works to remove barriers to help patients and families attain optimum health goals.
Continuously monitors appointment schedules and prioritizes referrals to accommodate newly diagnosed and high-risk patients to improve access and decrease lag time.
Provides education and motivational sessions through individualized sessions and group classes.
Provides follow-up communication via telephone, mail, or email as indicated in post-education classes in accordance with established department guidelines and provider requests.
Responsible for keeping educational content and handouts current in individual and class sessions.
Works collaboratively with Registered Dietician to update all medical and nutrition materials in concert with American Association of Diabetes Education practice guidelines and American Diabetes Association requirements.
Actively participates in raising awareness of diabetes via Diabetes Center of Excellence events, educating healthcare providers and the community through talks on diabetes, health fairs, regional meetings, interdisciplinary rounds, resident/fellow/precepting clinic staff, and being a resource for educational material.
Demonstrates a commitment to the Diabetes Center of Excellence team by volunteering for special projects, collaborating with the team, providing clinical expertise, identifying patients for research, and offering insights to patient care while sharing in the care of the diabetes clinic patients.
Demonstrates professional commitment to maintaining proficiency with current diabetes management tools, evidence-based clinical practice, patient education methods and materials, and behavioral techniques to improve patient adherence to chronic disease management.
Maintains national diabetes educator credentials and acts in accordance with competencies set forth by the American Association of Diabetes Educators.
Participates in practice changes as a result of performance improvement team activities.
Provides nursing leadership in system re-design for diabetes patient education as required.
Complies with established departmental policies and procedures, and clinical and research objectives.
Attends a variety of meetings, conferences, and seminars as required or directed to meet departmental goals.
Demonstrates use of Quality Improvement in daily operations.
Complies with all health and safety regulations and requirements.
Respects diverse views and approaches, demonstrates Standards of Respect, and contributes to creating and maintaining an environment of professionalism, tolerance, civility, and acceptance toward all employees, patients, and visitors.
Maintains regular, reliable, and predictable attendance.
Performs other similar and related duties as required or directed.