Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE)

Provides person-centered education and promotion of effective self-management for individuals with diabetes and those supporting them consistent with National Standards for Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (DSME).

 This is a PRN position.

JOB SUMMARY 

Provides person-centered education and promotion of effective self-management for individuals with diabetes and those supporting them consistent with National Standards for Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (DSME).

QUALIFICATIONS

• Graduate of an accredited school of Registered nursing or
• Bachelor’s degree in course work approved by the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education (CDR)
• Current, valid RN license or temporary RN license from the Texas Board of Nursing; or valid Compact RN license or
• Must be a Registered Dietitian by the Commission on Dietetic Registration and be a licensed Dietitian by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation
• Must have one of the following certifications upon hire:
• Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) or Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE) from the Certification Board for Diabetes Care and Education (CBDCE) (previously called National Certification Board for Diabetes Educators [NCBDE]) or
• BC-ADM (American Association of Diabetes Educators (AADE)
• CPR or BLS required.
• Additional languages (preferred)

ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Establishes a clear, timely and coordinated approach to the referral process for community-based, ambulatory and/or inpatient Diabetes Self-Management Education (DSME) and support.
• Develops up-to-date, evidence-based, and flexible curriculum which addresses diabetes pathophysiology and treatment options; healthy eating; physical activity; medication usage; monitoring and using patient-generated health data (PGHD); preventing, detecting, and treating acute and chronic complications; healthy coping with psychosocial issues and concerns; navigating the health care system; self-advocacy, and e-health education and includes practical problem-solving approaches and collaborative care, addressing psychosocial issues, behavior change, and strategies to sustain self-management efforts.
• Liaises with the multidisciplinary diabetes care team, including clinical, business and relevant community partners / support personnel, to optimize patient diabetes self-management.
• Assists in the building/maintenance processes to assure the delivery of consistent, best-practice diabetic care, education and self-maintenance care across the organization and community to achieve better outcomes.
• Leads and/or participates in community outreach activities (such as health fairs, community collaborations or outreach clinics) and serves on diabetes-related committees and completes special projects, including possible community projects, as requested/assigned.
• Performs comprehensive initial assessment which includes information about the individual’s medical history, age, cultural influences, health beliefs and attitudes, diabetes knowledge, diabetes self-management skills and behaviors, emotional response to diabetes, disease burden, ability, readiness to learn, literacy level (including health literacy and numeracy), physical limitations, family support, peer support (in person or via social networking sites), financial status, and other barriers.
• Determines the appropriate educational and behavioral interventions based on concerns and needs identified by assessment.
• Collaboratively (patient, multidisciplinary team and referring provider) develops individualized educational goals, learning objectives, educational content and teaching methods, including an individualized support plan.
• Utilizes clear health communication principles i.e., plain language, avoidance of jargon, making information culturally relevant, provision of language- and literacy-appropriate education materials, and engaging interpreter services when indicated.
• Employs digital technology (cloud-based, telehealth, data management platforms, apps, and social media) to enhance the ability to employ a technology-enabled self-management feedback loop with four key elements: two-way communication, analysis of PGHD, customized education, and individualized feedback to provide real-time engagement in self-management, as well as to enable and empower participants.
• Conducts reassessments and modifies plans in collaboration with participants as needed.
• Facilitates transition of participant from program to existing community resources for ongoing support when appropriate.
• Documents in the medical record relevant assessment data, educational plan, education services provided, evaluation results and relevant discharge / support services recommended or coordinated. 
• Documents community diabetes education activities performed as per established processes.
• Utilizes validated measurement tools (some indicators, measures, and timeframes will be based on guidelines from professional organizations or government agencies) to accurately track relevant evidence-based outcomes such as knowledge, behavior, clinical, quality of life, cost-savings, and satisfaction and assess the effectiveness of DSME services.
• Provides all required/requested data and reports in a timely manner; identifies and addresses opportunities for improvement and actively participates in continuous quality improvement processes.
• Builds and establishes positive working relationships with hospital staff, community agencies, the community and other members of the interdisciplinary healthcare team.
• Treats patients and families with respect and dignity.
• Attends Mandatory Meetings held within the department.  
• Supports and maintains a culture of safety and quality.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS 

• Support CMH’s mission, vision, core values and customer service philosophy
• Adhere to the CMH Compliance Program
• Comply with all local, state and federal accreditation, statutory and regulatory standards, as well as all organizational policies.    
• Must maintain one of the following certifications throughout employment with Cogdell:
• Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) or Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE) from the Certification Board for Diabetes Care and Education (CBDCE) (previously called National Certification Board for Diabetes Educators (NCBDE) OR
• BC-ADM (American Association of Diabetes Educators [AADE])
• Documentation meets current standards and policies.
• Demonstrate outstanding customer service/advocacy, professionalism, and integrity.
• Working effectively with others demonstrates leadership and teaching ability and the ability to work under pressure.
• Stays abreast of the latest developments, advancements, and trends in the field by attending seminars/workshops, reading professional journals, actively participating in professional organizations, and/or maintaining certification or licensure. Integrates knowledge gained into current work practices.
• Must document appropriate continuing education of diabetes-related content, ensuring continuing competence for role.
• Maintains knowledge of applicable rules, regulations, policies, laws, and guidelines that impact the area. 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills including the ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
• Proficiency with computer skills including Microsoft Office applications and electronic health records systems.
• Willingness to adapt to change and support new technologies as well as policies and procedures in a positive manner.
• Knowledge of general office equipment; knowledge of medical terminology preferred.
• Knowledge of customer service principals and techniques
• Skills in communicating effectively with physicians and patients about scheduling preferences.
• Able to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

• Stressful environment
• Exposure to odors, blood, body fluids, and excrements, adverse environmental conditions and hazardous materials
• Position requires light lifting up to 5 lbs.
• Position requires reaching, bending, stooping, and handling objects with hands and/or fingers, talking and/or hearing, and seeing
• Mental demands include: alertness, analytic ability, memory, concentration, judgment, initiative, precision, creativity and communication.