RN, Certified Diabetes Educator

Eastern Virginia Medical School • Norfolk, VA

84d

About The Position

This position functions as an independent nurse clinician primarily coordinating pre-pregnancy, prenatal and post-partum diabetes care to include the assessment of patient status, educational needs, and follow up care. Provides education for staff and acts as a liaison for providers in the community. Contributes to the well-being of patients by serving as a positive role model and demonstrating a professional, caring attitude, and behavior towards co-workers, patients, and guests.

Requirements

• Graduation from NLN Accredited School of Nursing with RN required.
• Must have a valid Virginia license as a Professional Registered Nurse.
• Certification in Diabetes Education (CDCES) required within one-year of employment.

Nice To Haves

• BSN preferred.
• Minimum one year clinical experience caring for patients with diabetes is preferred.
• Experience with obstetric patients is considered a strong asset for the job but not required as long as candidate is willing to learn these skills.

Responsibilities

• Call patient from reception area.
• Obtain and record vital signs such as height, weight, temperature and blood pressure.
• May be required to draw blood and give injections.
• May be required to perform a urine dipstick test.
• Will be required to download and interpret data from Continuous Glucose Sensors and Insulin Pumps under direct supervision.
• Record all pertinent patient information in Electronic Medical Record (EMR).
• Perform an individualized assessment of the patient with diabetes (patients planning for pregnancy or pregnant with pre-existing diabetes as well as patients diagnosed during pregnancy with Gestational Diabetes).
• Formulate an education plan which includes identifying goals for self-management of her diabetes care.
• Provide diabetes education both in the group setting (up to 5 patients) as well as one-on-one as clinically indicated.
• Diabetes education will include dietary teaching, use of glucose monitors, acceptable blood glucose levels for pregnancy, use of blood glucose/diet log, management of hypoglycemia and instructions on when to call the diabetes educator and/or physician.
• Review with MD adjustments made in dosages of oral medication and basal bolus insulin to optimize glycemic control.
• Assist MD in identification of appropriate candidates for insulin pump therapy and may participate in insulin pump initiation and management under direct supervision of MD.
• Assess health education needs of patient at each clinical or phone encounter and provide ongoing education and coordination of care throughout pregnancy and post-partum.
• Correlate the patient’s clinical history and appropriate nursing actions for referral.
• Review patient lab results, discuss abnormal findings with the physician and follow up with patient in regard to treatment prescribed by the physician as necessary.
• When necessary, will chaperone physician in examining room as needed; assist with minor surgical and diagnostic procedures.
• Answer patient phone calls regarding diabetes management, accurately document such encounters in the EMR, and appropriately triage patients.
• Maintain an inventory of supplies for diabetes education (glucose testing equipment/educational materials) and ensure that they are adequately stocked for daily clinic activities.
• Actively recruit patients for any research protocols conducted in the Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine involving obstetrical patients.
• Participate in data collection as requested.
• Partner with department’s Referral Coordinators to review incoming referrals and schedule patients within the appropriate timeframe.
• Maintain a database of referral sources to review scheduling trends.
• Coordinate regular meetings with the groups.
• Act as a liaison between patients, referring practices, staff at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital Labor and Delivery/Antepartum unit, and staff at Maternal Fetal Medicine regarding patient’s care.

What This Job Offers