Diabetes Educator Registered Nurse (RN) – Chronic Disease Clinic (Park Ridge)

Become a part of a multidisciplinary diabetes care team in the ambulatory clinic setting.

Will be providing diabetes education to patients in group or individual sessions.

Major Responsibilities:

Responsible for providing diabetes self-management training and education to patients and their significant others.

• Implement and document teaching plan, educational interventions, and follow-up plan based on the individualized assessment for patients and their families and / or significant others per current program educational curriculum.
• Collaborate with patients and their families and / or significant others in establishing mutual learning goals and behavior change goals.
• Document evaluation of outcomes and revises interventions and follow-up plan for patients and their families and / or significant others.
• Assure education is based on current program curriculum and input from physicians.
• Communicate education and follow-up recommendations to physicians and other health care providers within the multidisciplinary team.
• Bill third party payers for diabetes outpatient self-management and training, utilizing appropriate coding guidelines
• Conduct and document individualized assessment of pertinent medical, psychosocial, and educational history of patients.
• Educate and train patients and their families and / or significant others in general diabetes education, glucose meter instruction, insulin start, insulin pump start / follow-up, and CGMS start as needed per visit type.

Provides support for quality clinical care as a registered nurse.

• Performs various tests/procedures and medication administration independently in accordance with nursing practice standards.
• Provides patient education, discharge instructions, and assists patients in obtaining additional services ordered by the physician prior to leaving the office as part of discharge planning.
• Functions as a “patient advocate” to ensure the patient receives the best possible care.
• Anticipates the need for and completes all documentation necessary to ensure quality care.
• Accurately performs and maintains practice site quality control logs for all complexities of CLIA requirements.
• Aware of and correctly uses “triage protocols”.
• Clinical resource to RN, CMA and other clinical staff.
• Able to perform mini-registration and scheduling of patients.
• Functions as a liaison between the physician and other medical professionals: Communicates with pharmacies to order new/refill of medication. Communicates with other physicians or other ancillary medical staff to ensure continuity of care. Assists in setting up referrals for additional care.

Serve as a resource in diabetes management for the healthcare team.

• Serve as a resource person and mentor to staff related to clinical knowledge of diabetes management.
• Act as a resource to other departments and disciplines within AMG and community.
• Participate in formal or informal educational programs regarding diabetes related topics.
• Maintain knowledge of current developments, trends and techniques in diabetes management and education and makes recommendations regarding use in diabetes program.

Growth and Development

• Keeps abreast of current standards of care.
• Assists in annual Core Competency by self-assessment of performance and identifying future learning needs
• Maintains membership in professional organizations as well as certifications, licenses, etc.
• Collaborates with physicians in planning or implementing research findings into nursing protocols.
• Participates in professional organizations related to the subspecialty in order to promote and maintain current standards of care and patient education.

Provides support for quality clinical care as a registered nurse (con't)

• Completes and passes CPR every two years, a condition of employment. Participates in “mock code” drills.
• Understands and knows how to administer “emergency drug box” medications.
• Knows where emergency equipment is located and how to properly use it.
• Participates in all scheduled staff meetings.
• Medical record release of information done only according to HIPPA policies.
• Measures and records accurately: blood pressure, pulse, temperature, height , weight.
• Documents according to policy and procedure in medical record all patient communications.
• Promotes and creates a caring, safe, secure, accident free environment for all patients and fellow employees.
• Performs other duties as requested to support department needs.

Licensure:

• Nurse, Registered (RN)

Education/Experience Required:

• Associates in Nursing
• 2-5 years’ experience in clinical specialty

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required:

• Strong leadership skills.
• Ability to communicate and work cohesively with diverse groups.
• Excellent organizational and planning skills.
• Knowledge and experience in working with insulin pumps and insulin pump therapy.
• Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE) eligible
• Current or eligible for licensure in the State of Illinois as a registered nurse.
• CPR certification

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

• Ability to travel locally.
• Ability to function in a fast-paced environment with established time constraints.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and complete work within a short time frame.
• Resilient and flexible in a changing environment.
• Ability to cooperate and work well with others.
• Ability to make sound and timely decisions.
• Ability to flex hours in order to accommodate needs of patients (to include evening and weekend hours)
• If position has direct patient care or direct patient contact the following lifting requirement supersedes any previous lifting requirement effective 06/01/2015. Ability to lift to 35 pounds without assistance. For patient lifts of over 35 pounds, or when patient is unable to assist with the lift, patient handling equipment is expected to be used, with at least one other associate, when available. Unique patient lifting/movement situations will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.