Certified Diabetes Educator/RN

POSITION SUMMARY

Provide nursing expertise and leadership in the assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of care provided to individuals with or at risk for diabetes including their podiatric care needs. Provide patient education and direct patient care to patients; provide diabetes training and consultation to staff and community.  Assess patient health problems and needs, develop and implement nursing care plans, and maintain medical records. Administer nursing care to ill, injured, convalescent, or disabled patients. Advise patients on health maintenance and disease prevention and provide case management. Develop, implement and manage specific grant funding programs ensuring program deliverables and financial objectives are met.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Develop, implement, evaluate and modify the Laguna Community Health Center (LCHC) Diabetes Program in consultation with Chief Operating Officer (COO), Chief Medical Officer (CMO) and other LCHC providers and administrative staff including forecasting financial projections and department budget. Oversee procurement and ensure financial goals are met. May write and submit grant proposals in coordination with other clinical and non-clinical staff.
2. Research, evaluate, and procure patient education materials in coordination with clinical staff for use by all levels of health professionals, as well as patients. Develop and design instructional materials and content for patients, families and community using a variety of approaches and methods that incorporate adult learning theory.
3. Provide individualized and/or group education to diagnosed pre-diabetic, diabetic, prenatal diabetic patients and other patients. Instruct individuals, families, or other groups on other health education topics, disease prevention, or childbirth and develop health improvement programs. Refer patients to specialized health resources or community agencies furnishing assistance.
4. Manage case load of specific diabetic patients under a standing order protocol. Prepare patients for and assist with examinations or treatments. Observe and assess patients’ condition with recognition of serious situations. Determine appropriate action for immediate and follow-up care.
5. Monitor, record, and report symptoms or changes in patients' conditions. Inform physician of patient's condition. Monitor all aspects of patient care, including diet and physical activity. Modify patient treatment plans as indicated by patients' responses and conditions.
6. May provide comprehensive foot care to all diabetic patients including referral for specialized footwear.
7. Document patient encounters/visits, vital signs educational assessment and evaluation of patients understanding in electronic health records (EHR). Maintain accurate, detailed reports and records.
8. Provide nursing services for a variety of conditions and to people of various ages within a clinic setting. Administer local, inhalation, intravenous, or other anesthetics. Conduct specified laboratory tests. Order, interpret, and evaluate diagnostic tests to identify and assess patient's condition. Deliver and/or administer medications to patients and monitor patients for reactions or side effects.
9. Assess the needs of individuals, families, or communities, including assessment of individuals' home or work environments, to identify potential health or safety problems. May conduct home visits.
10. Consult and coordinate with healthcare team members to assess, plan, implement, or evaluate patient care plans. Consult with institutions or associations regarding issues or concerns relevant to the practice and profession of nursing.
11. Coordinate community-based diabetes prevention programs including workshops/conferences, health fairs, diabetic education classes, diabetes screening and exercise programs.
12. Serve as Quality Coordinator for diabetic program to ensure diabetes self-management education and support (DSMES) services are person-centered and understand the process of identifying , analyzing and communicating quality data. May partner with other team members to support quality improvement. Conduct quality studies, report on findings and recommend and implement quality improvements. Research and compile data and statistical reports as necessary. Submit to appropriate agencies as directed.
13. Implement and uphold all required national standards including DSMES; and implement collaborative services including evidence-based service design, delivery, evaluation and continuous quality improvement.
14. May serve as Director of Nursing or Charge Nurse when assigned and/or in the absence of Director of Nursing.
15. May supervise other clinical and non-clinical staff; evaluate performance and implement corrective action measures. Coach, guide and train less-skilled nursing or healthcare personnel.

MINIMUM MANDATORY QUALIFICATIONS

Experience: Two (2) years of nursing experience.

Education: Associate Degree in Nursing. Bachelor Degree in Nursing preferred. 

License/Certification: Current, active, full and unrestricted license as a Registered Nurse from any US state or the District of Columbia. Certified Diabetes Educator Certification. current BLS/ACLS certification.

This position may be subject to a criminal history background check, a suitability background check and/or a credit check. In addition, some positions are subject to a more extensive background check to ensure compliance with Public Law 101-630 Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act. Candidates must be able to successfully pass all required background checks to qualify for this position. All applicants must successfully pass a pre-employment drug screening prior to beginning employment and will be subject to random drug testing.