Diabetes Nurse Educator

Graduation from an accredited nursing education program approved by the Board of Nursing or found by the Board to be substantially equivalent to the programs in Maryland. Current licensure as a Registered Nurse in the state of Maryland is required. A Master’s degree in healthcare related discipline or equivalent is preferred. Certification as a Diabetic Educator (CDE) is expected. A minimum of three years’ experience in diabetes care and education is required. Current BLS certification or obtained prior to providing direct patient care. Ability to demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served in the hospital. The nurse must focus their efforts on helping patients with diabetes effectively self-manage their diabetes and prevent complications. Educates patients on the necessary lifestyle changes involved in a diabetes diagnosis, including nutrition, medication, physical activity and glucose testing. Collects patient data to monitor health status and proactively manages the patient’s condition. In addition, the nurse educator must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and possess the ability to assess data reflective of the patient’s requirements relative to his or her age-specific needs and to provide the care needed as described in the unit/area/department policies and procedures. Highly effective verbal and written communication skills are necessary in order to educate patients and their families and work with medical, nursing and management staff. Demonstrated ability in public speaking preferred.

The diabetes educator’s role in coordination of care and facilitating transitions should include:

1. utilizing a patient and family-centered approach
2. collaborating closely with other team members, including providers, social workers, care managers, pharmacists, dieticians, and community partners
3. empowering patients and caregivers to actively participate in their care
4. providing a clear and feasible discharge management plan based on clinical needs, patient preferences, goals, and abilities
5. ensuring that a follow-up appointment for diabetes care is scheduled prior to discharge
6. establishing partnerships with community-based providers and services to address health and social needs
7. communicating the status of diabetes self-management education, plan of care, and medication reconciliation to next provider and/or site of care as needed
8. identifying and mitigating risk factors for readmission
9. evaluating outcomes of care coordination efforts such as readmission rates, communication of self-management plans, and patient satisfaction with discharge readiness

Working Conditions

Works in a clean, fast-paced medical office environment with multiple demands. Will be required to provide evening and weekend coverage as needed. Potential for minimal exposure to communicable diseases and hazardous materials, requiring the observance of Standard (universal) Precautions and safe handling practices. This position has been classified as low or no exposure risk and does not require the completion of an annual testing, but may require “just in time” testing if the need arises.

Physcal Requirements

Requires sitting approximately 50% of the time; with the other 50% walking and standing. Frequent bending and reaching for supplies, documents, etc.; includes lifting and carrying supplies and files weighing up to 20 pounds. Requires manual dexterity for using keyboard and operating office equipment; visual acuity required to use computer monitor and read documents. Talking and hearing necessary for conversations with callers and other customers.