RN Diabetes Care and Education Specialist

Oregon Health & Science University • Portland, OR

8d

About The Position

The Inpatient Registered Nurse Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (RN DCES) is an integral member of the Harold Schnitzer Diabetes Health Center’s interdisciplinary care team. The specialist practices in accordance with American Diabetes Association Standards of Care, Association of Diabetes Care & Education Specialists guidance, and the ADCES7 Self-Care Behavior Framework. Using advanced clinical judgment, the RN DCES assesses hospitalized adult patients’ clinical, educational, and psychosocial needs and provides individualized diabetes self-management education and support (DSMES). The goal is to promote safe glycemic management, improve health outcomes, and prepare patients and families for a safe transition from hospital to ambulatory care.

The RN DCES serves as an inpatient clinical consultant and resource for adult glycemic management and diabetes care. In collaboration with nursing leaders, Nursing Practice Specialists, and Nursing Professional Development Practitioners, the specialist provides expert guidance on evidence-based diabetes care, glycemic management best practices, and regulatory and professional standards. The role contributes specialized clinical knowledge to practice, quality, education, training, and competency initiatives, and supports evaluation of glycemic-related outcomes, adverse events, policies, procedures, and educational materials. The RN DCES does not hold operational accountability for these functions but collaborates with accountable leaders to support continuous improvement in inpatient diabetes care and patient outcomes.

Requirements

• At least two years of clinical nursing experience within the last five years.
• At least one year of experience providing Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (DSMES) in an inpatient or ambulatory setting, including care coordination and multidisciplinary collaboration to support individualized treatment planning, continuity of care, and safe transitions from hospital to home.
• For BSN graduates: a baccalaureate degree in nursing from a CCNE-, ACEN-, or CNEA-accredited program 30 days before the start date.
• For ADN graduates: an associate degree in nursing from an accredited program 30 days before the start date; associate degree nurses must enroll in a BSN program within three years of hire and complete it within five years of hire.
• Current, unencumbered Oregon State Registered Nurse License.
• BLS from the American Heart Association (AHA); new hires will be enrolled and required to complete it during orientation.
• Ability to perform the essential functions of the position with or without accommodation.

Nice To Haves

• Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) certification, or ability to obtain it within 12 months of hire.
• Experience educating and supporting patients using diabetes technologies, including insulin pumps, continuous glucose monitoring (CGM), and automated insulin delivery (AID) systems.
• Experience participating in diabetes-related quality improvement, program development, clinical outcomes monitoring, or activities supporting ADA-recognized DSMES program requirements.
• Demonstrated nursing leadership through formal or informal roles, such as charge nurse, preceptor, mentor, clinical resource, committee or council member, quality improvement participant, or contributor to workflow, education, policy, or practice improvement initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Assess hospitalized adult patients’ clinical, educational, and psychosocial needs.
• Provide individualized diabetes self-management education and support to promote safe glycemic management, improve outcomes, and prepare patients and families for transition to ambulatory care.
• Serve as an inpatient clinical consultant and resource for adult glycemic management and diabetes care.
• Collaborate with nursing leaders, Nursing Practice Specialists, and Nursing Professional Development Practitioners to provide guidance on evidence-based diabetes care, glycemic management best practices, and regulatory and professional standards.
• Contribute specialized clinical knowledge to practice, quality, education, training, and competency initiatives.
• Support evaluation of glycemic-related outcomes, adverse events, policies, procedures, and educational materials.
• Collaborate with accountable leaders to support continuous improvement in inpatient diabetes care and patient outcomes.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health care plans; coverage is 100% of the cost for full-time employees and 88% for dependents.
• $50,000 of term life insurance provided at no cost to the employee.
• Choice of two above-market pension plans.
• Vacation of 192 to 288 hours per year depending on length of service, prorated for part-time employees.
• Up to 64 holiday hours per calendar year, accrued based on hours paid and included in vacation accruals.
• 96 hours of sick leave per year, prorated for part-time employees.
• Substantial public transportation discounts for Tri-Met and C-Tran.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Innovative Employee Assistance Program (EAP), including wellness resources.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree