Diabetes Educator Registered Nurse Part Time Days - Northwestern Memorial Healthcare

At Northwestern Medicine, every patient interaction makes a difference in cultivating a positive workplace. This patient-first approach is what sets us apart as a leader in the healthcare industry. As an integral part of our team, you'll have the opportunity to join our quest for better healthcare, no matter where you work within the Northwestern Medicine system. At Northwestern Medicine, we pride ourselves on providing competitive benefits: from tuition reimbursement and loan forgiveness to 401(k) matching and lifecycle benefits, we take care of our employees. Ready to join our quest for better?

The Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (DCES) reflects the mission, vision, and values of Northwestern Memorial, adheres to the organization’s Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines and all other regulatory and accreditation standards.

The DCES demonstrates clinical expertise and expanded knowledge of clinical and self-management aspects of diabetes and cardiometabolic care. The DCES is an integral member of the interprofessional team and provides collaborative, comprehensive and person-centered care and education conducive to behavior change and improved quality of life. The DCES supports and advocates for people affected by diabetes to optimize quality care and optimize health outcomes.

Responsibilities:

• Consultant to all disciplines referred to Diabetes Education Service for diabetes self-management education provided to patients
• Provide direct patient care and/or consultation applying evidence-based guidelines focusing on education to promote diabetes self-care behaviors to initiate behavior change
• Complete comprehensive patient assessments including emotional/ behavioral health, interpret personal health data, and collaborate with other members of the interprofessional team to develop a person-centered diabetes plan of care that is shared with the patient, family and team
• Provide quality diabetes self-management education based on assessed needs and utilize appropriate teaching strategies that are sensitive to the learning preferences of the patient/family
• Utilize motivational interviewing techniques to encourage positive behavior changes
• Document all patient care activities in the Electronic Health Record
• Support the interprofessional team in preparing the patient/family to continue new diabetes self-management skills/behaviors after discharge from the in-patient setting
• Identify trends in nursing practice and establish plan with local leadership to support quality in-patient care with prevention of hypoglycemia/hyperglycemia in patients receiving insulin therapy
• Collaborate with Patient Care Services to recommend new policies and procedures
• Provide education to nursing staff on both a formal and informal basis
• Mentor students and other healthcare professionals in aspects of diabetes self-management education
• Engage in lifelong learning and serves as a role model of professionalism. Maintains professional licensure and certification as required
• Participate in research pertinent to the field of diabetes
• Advocates for and communicates about improved quality of care and outcomes for those living with, at risk for, and affected by diabetes and cardiometabolic conditions

Required:

• Baccalaureate degree in Nursing or higher
• Current license as a Registered Nurse in the State of Illinois
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers through American Heart Association
• Current certification as a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) through the Certification Board for Diabetes Care and Education (CBDCE). If not currently certified, must obtain within 2 years of hire
• 2 years of experience in an inpatient hospital setting
• Ability to effectively triage multiple priorities using appropriate judgement, creativity, flexibility and communication skills

Preferred:

• Master’s degree in Nursing or in a related field
• Working knowledge of diabetes technology

Northwestern Medicine is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status.