RN, Certified Diabetes Educator

Overview

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.

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 Inulin 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. Candidate will review with MD adjustments made in dosages of oral medication and basal bolus insulin to optimize glycemic control. Candidate will 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.

• Partners with department’s Referral Coordinators to review incoming referrals and schedule patients within the appropriate timeframe.

• Maintains a database of referral sources to review scheduling trends. Also coordinates 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.

Qualifications

Required:

• 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.

Preferred:

• 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.

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