Position: Certified Diabetes Coordinator- Registered/Licensed Dietitian

Reports to: Chief Nursing Officer

Department: Medical

Full Time Salary

ASCENSION DEPAUL CORE VALUES:

• Service of the Poor – Employee demonstrates generosity of spirit, especially for persons most in need
• Reverence – Employee demonstrates respect and compassion for the dignity and diversity of life
• Integrity – Employee inspires trust through personal leadership
• Wisdom – Employee integrates excellence and stewardship into execution of job duties
• Creativity – Employee demonstrates courageous innovation
• Dedication – Employee affirms the hope and joy of the Daughters of Charity mission

GENERAL JOB DESCRIPTION

Responsible for providing comprehensive education and support to individuals with diabetes and their families, helping them to manage their condition and achieve their health goals.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conduct individual and group diabetes education sessions
• Develop personalized care plans for patients with diabetes
• Provide instruction on self-monitoring of blood glucose levels
• Teach patients how to administer insulin and other diabetes medications
• Offer nutritional counseling and meal planning guidance
• Educate patients about the importance of physical activity and exercise
• Assess patients' knowledge and skills related to diabetes management
• Support patients in setting and achieving diabetes-related goals
• Monitor and document patients' progress over time
• Collaborate with other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive care
• Stay up-to-date with the latest diabetes management guidelines and research
• Provide resources and support for managing diabetes-related complications
• Conduct community outreach and education programs
• Advocate for patients' needs within the healthcare system
• Participate in professional development and continuing education activities
• Actively participates in the quality improvement (QI) process and adapts practice/process based on QI findings.
• Partners with individuals to deliver care and education conducive to behavior change and improved quality of life for self-management of diabetes and cardio metabolic conditions across the lifespan.
• Contributes to research and applies current research and evidence-based care to practice.
• Applies business principles, systems practice, and population health management to support achievement of the Quadruple Aim (reduced costs, better outcomes, improved experience, and improved work life for healthcare providers).
• Engages in lifelong learning and serves as a role model of professionalism.
• Provides quality diabetes self-management education and medical nutrition therapy (limited to Registered Dietitians) in individual and group settings based on assessed needs. Utilizes appropriate teaching techniques that are sensitive to the learning preferences of the person with prediabetes or diabetes.
• Follows the ADCES Diabetes Education Accreditation Program requirements which are based on the National Standard of Diabetes Self-Management and Support Guidelines.
• Completes comprehensive assessments for each patient including emotional and behavioral health, interprets personal health data, develops an individualized care plan based on the patient's assessed needs and goals and promotes successful self-management.
• Documents all individual contacts/visits in the Electronic Health Record and outcomes database according to the guidelines in a timely manner.
• Collaborates, advocates, and confers other members of the diabetes care team in developing person- centered diabetes plans.
• Advocates for and supports technology-enabled diabetes education and care, in individual and population health diabetes services.
• Collaborates with community partners to establish and maintain on-going support options.
• Contributes to the achievement of established department goals and objectives and adheres to department policies, procedures, quality standards and safety standards. Complies with governmental and accreditation regulations.
• Participates in meetings, serves on committees, and represents the department and hospital/facility in community outreach efforts as appropriate.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

A work day normally involving at least 40% of lifting, twisting, standing, bending and some activities that involve walking will be required to be performed. The associate will be required to travel from multiple health clinic sites and must be required to work flexible hours to accommodate needs of various sites and community events. Supervision of multiple clinic sites may be applicable. A Louisiana driver’s license is required.

• May be required to travel to various locations as needed. Reliable transportation may be required.
• Working at another site and/or other departments or programs may be required.
• DIRECT PATIENT CARE/CONTACT: Exposure to patients, visitors, and family members with a variety of physical and psychiatric/mental health conditions. Visual acuity including color vision. Ability to hear and orally communicate. Ability to read, comprehend, and write English language. Manual dexterity.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment is normally performed in a health clinic with a normal/comfortable temperature setting. The associate will be provided DSCNO equipment (computer, laptop, cell phone, etc.) to perform necessary duties for the position. The majority of the work setting is sedentary.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in nursing, dietetics/nutrition/pharmacy
• Valid license based on location of practice as a Dietitian (must be licensed by the Louisiana State Board of Examiners of Dietetics and Nutrition & CDR), or Registered Nurse, or Registered Pharmacist
• Experience working with diverse patient populations
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Proficiency in electronic health record systems
• Bilingual or multilingual abilities desired
• Experience in public speaking or group facilitation
• Knowledge of current diabetes management technologies and devices
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Bachelor's degree in nursing, nutrition, or a related field
• Registered Nurse (RN), Registered Dietitian (RD), or Pharmacist licensure
• Completion of a recognized diabetes education program
• Minimum of 2-3 years of experience in diabetes education or related field
• Certification as a Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE)
• Strong knowledge of diabetes pathophysiology, treatment, and management
• Ability to develop and deliver educational materials and programs
• Excellent problem-solving and critical thinking abilities
• Commitment to patient-centered care and continuous improvement