Endocrinology- RN/Diabetes Educator (CDE)- 36hr

Through assessment and evaluation, provides diabetes education for children, their families and other health care providers throughout the continuum of care.

• Using the nursing process, and through assessment and evaluation of needs, the RN CDE Provides comprehensive patient education (including initial and ongoing assessment, treatment recommendations, and evaluation) in accordance to written policies and curriculum of Connecticut Program for Children with Diabetes.
• The RN CDE supports the provider with treatment recommendations within the RN scope of practice, reviewing medication needs, and quality outcomes for the treatment plan.
• Provides diabetes and/or nutrition education as required for research protocols in the department.
• Provides direct patient education consistent with current national standards, including, but not limited to, those of the American Diabetes Association, the American Association of Diabetes Educators, etc.  Acts as a resource to other care providers regarding diabetes management.
• If needed, participates in a rotating weekend on-call schedule to provide timely education to patients and families of children newly diagnosed with diabetes.
• Manages conditions associated with hyper and hypoglycemia, intercurrent illnesses and subsequent adjustments in insulin or nutrition prescriptions under the supervision of a medical provider as per department’s written “insulin adjustment protocol”.
• Maintains current knowledge of standards of care and current research pertaining to children with diabetes.  Also maintains knowledge of diabetes technology and available insulin prescriptions.
• Fulfills other clinical responsibilities of a Registered Dietitian or Registered Nurse.
• Collaborates with other Care Coordinators and team members throughout the continuum of care to meet patient care needs and to coordinate educational programs.
• Maintain professional credentials by completing continuing education requirements.  Involvement in professional organizations related to diabetes education is encouraged.
• Demonstrates knowledge of the age-related differences and needs of patients in appropriate, specific populations from neonate through adolescence and applies them to practice.   Demonstrates cultural sensitivity in all interactions with patients/families.
• Demonstrates support for the mission, values and goals of the organization through behaviors that are consistent with the CCMC STANDARDS.
• Timely completion of office notes.  

Position Specific Role Responsibilities

• Must demonstrate the One Team approach, practice empathetic behaviors and be patient focused to achieve and support Patient Family experience. 

Education and/or Experience Required:

• Education Required: Must possess a degree or diploma from an accredited nursing program for registered nurses.  
• Education Preferred: BS in Nursing with credentials to practice as Registered Nurse (RN) in Connecticut preferred. If ADN, must obtain BSN within 3 yrs of hire.
• Experience Preferred: Pediatric nursing experience is preferred.

  
License and/or Certification Required:

• Current State of Connecticut Registered Nurse licensure required and maintained thereafter.
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) / CPR in adult, child & infant is required upon hire.
• Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE) through National Certification Board for Diabetes Educators preferred.  If not currently CDE, required to obtain certification within 2 to 3 years after the date of hire.

    
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:
    
Knowledge:

• Demonstrates familiarity with pathophysiology, epidemiology, and clinical practice consistent with practice level regarding Prediabetes and Diabetes
• Provides diabetes support and care in a culturally-competent manner across the lifespan.
• Applies current principles of teaching and learning and/or behavior change to facilitate self-management skills. Pursues ongoing professional development.
• Works with an interdisciplinary diabetes care team to tailor interventions to individual self-management education needs.
• Applies principles of program and/or business management to create a climate that supports successful self-management of diabetes.
• Medical Nutrition Therapy in accordance with Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics standards. 
• Medical Terminology consistent with level of training and practice.
• Drug Nutrient Interactions.

Skills:

• Proficiency with electronic health and medical records, Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point and Access programs.  

Abilities:

• Accurate Keyboarding abilities and math skills required.