RN, Certified Diabetes Educator

This position functions as an independent nurse clinician primarily coordinating prenatal diabetes care in a telehealth and in-person clinic setting, to include the assessment of patient status, educational needs, and follow up care. Acts as a liaison amongst community partners to coordinate care for co-managed patients and to facilitate ongoing research efforts. Contributes to the well-being of patients by serving as a positive role model and demonstrating a professional, caring attitude, and behavior towards co-workers, patients, and guests.

• Call patient from reception area. Obtain and record vital signs such as height, weight, temperature and blood pressure. May be required to draw blood and give injections. May be required to perform a urine dipstick test. Will be required to download and interpret data from Continuous Glucose Sensors and Inulin Pumps under direct supervision.

• Record all pertinent patient information in Electronic Medical Record (EMR).

• When necessary, will chaperone physician in examining room as needed; assist with minor surgical and diagnostic procedures.

• Perform an individualized assessment of the patient with diabetes (patients planning for pregnancy or pregnant with pre-existing diabetes as well as patients diagnosed during pregnancy with Gestational Diabetes). Formulate an education plan which includes identifying goals for self-management of her diabetes care. Provide diabetes education both in the group setting (up to 5 patients) as well as one-on-one as clinically indicated. Diabetes education will include dietary teaching, use of glucose monitors, acceptable blood glucose levels for pregnancy, use of blood sugar/diet log, management of hypoglycemia and instructions on when to call the diabetes educator and/or physician. Review with MD adjustments made in dosages of oral medication and split dose insulin to optimize glycemic control. Assist MD in identification of appropriate Incumbents for insulin pump therapy and may participate in insulin pump initiation and management under direct supervision of MD.

• Obtains patient histories and reviews incoming visit history/notes provided by referring physicians.

• Correlate the patient's clinical history and appropriate nursing actions for referral.

• Review patient lab results, discuss abnormal findings with the physician and follow up with patient in regard to treatment prescribed by the physician as necessary.

• Assists with providing education to the patient on the process of starting insulin.

• Assess health education needs of patient at each clinical or phone encounter and provide ongoing education and coordination of care throughout pregnancy and post-partum.

• Answer patient phone calls regarding diabetes management, accurately document such encounters in the EMR, and appropriately triage patients.

• Incumbent will participate as a member of a multi-disciplinary comprehensive team approach to the care of the pregnant patient with diabetes.

• Coordinate additional care for antepartum, postpartum patients to include follow-up testing or procedures, scheduling, physician's orders, and hospital admissions.

• Maintain an inventory of supplies for diabetes education (glucose testing equipment/educational materials) and ensure that they are adequately stocked for daily clinic activities.

• Provide education and act as a resource to other staff members regarding the care of patients with diabetes.

• Actively recruit patients for any research protocols conducted in the Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine involving obstetrical patients. Participate in data collection as requested.

• Act as a liaison between patients, referring practices, staff at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital Labor and Delivery/Antepartum unit, and staff at Maternal Fetal Medicine regarding patient's care.

• Maintain clinical competency in areas of responsibility to ensure quality patient care which includes validation of skill level by passing both verbal and written tests administered by supervisor.

• Learn and follow the established MFM protocols for management of pregnant patients with diabetes.

• Promote the philosophy, goals and objectives of the School and the Department by becoming familiar with and complying with policies and procedures.

• Attendance, as assigned, is essential to meeting required performance duties.

• Complete other miscellaneous duties as assigned by supervising staff which may include assisting with nursing duties/care involving pregnant patients with other High Risk problems but without diabetes on an as needed basis.

• Performs other duties as assigned

Required:

• Graduation from NLN Accredited School of Nursing with RN required.
• Must have a valid Virginia license as a Professional Registered Nurse.
• Must have the ability to obtain Certification in Diabetes Education within one (1) year of employment.

Preferred:

• Certification in Diabetes Education (CDCES) desirable but not required. Incumbent must obtain CDCES within one (1) year of employment.

• Minimum one year clinical experience caring for patients with diabetes is preferred.

• Experience with obstetric patients is considered a strong asset for the job but not required as long as Incumbent is willing to learn these skills.