Job Requirements
General Summary
Under general supervision, assesses, plans, implements and evaluates the diabetes in-patient education program at UM Baltimore Washington Medical Center. Plans and conducts continuing education programs in diabetes for patients, staff, and community partners. Functions as a resource for patients and other healthcare professionals within and outside the Medical Center.
Mission
All employees are responsible for extending the mission and values of UM Baltimore Washington Medical Center by dedicating oneself to providing the highest quality healthcare services to the communities we serve.
Reporting Relationships
Reports to the Director of Nursing Practice and Outcomes within Nursing Administration
Principle Responsibilities and Tasks
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Applies clinical process and education of patients and families including assessing needs of patient, formulating an educational plan, implementing the plan, and revision as needed.
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Communicates information and coordinates patient care with appropriate members of the health care team.
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Proficiently utilizes a variety of educational approaches including one-on-one instruction, group classes, and audiovisual presentations. Delivers educational services in the inpatient settings.
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Acts as a resource in diabetes related issues for health care professional, patients and their families.
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Maintains a positive relationship with staff, patients, physicians, and hospital personnel.
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Assists in medical management of patients in accordance with policies and procedures.
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Coordinates participation in research programs and studies, as assigned.
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Ensures that the clinical education components of the program meet the quality assurance standards as established the Center and hospital.
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Participates in referral development activities that contribute to the growth of the practice.
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Follows appropriate policies, procedures and lesson plans, and assists with review and revision on an annual or as-needed basis.
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Attends educational programs and seminars focusing on the management of diabetes and related
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problems, and diabetes education.
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Performs related duties as required.
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The inpatient diabetes educator may participate in the following educational activities by:
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enhancing staff competencies assessing staff diabetes knowledge and skill
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assessing staff diabetes knowledge and skill
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providing education in a variety of settings, including staff orientation, clinical areas, and grand rounds
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developing curricula to share with other members of the team
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utilizing a variety of learning tools, such as case studies, self-learning modules, journal clubs, and survival skills toolkits to accommodate all settings and learners’ needs and preferences.
Topics will include types of diabetes, early recognition and screening for hyperglycemia, rationale for inpatient glycemic control, glycemic targets, nutrition therapy, and insulin therapy. Additional topics include the use of bedside blood glucose monitoring data, oral agents in the hospital, acute complications, diabetic ketoacidosis, hyperosmolar hyperglycemic non-ketotic syndrome, perioperative care, hypoglycemia prevention and treatment, insulin pumps and documentation, including type of diabetes and complications.
Work Experience
Qualifications
Graduation from an accredited nursing education program approved by the Board of Nursing or found by the Board to be substantially equivalent to the programs in Maryland. Current licensure as a Registered Nurse in the state of Maryland is required. A Master’s degree in healthcare related discipline or equivalent is preferred. Certification as a Diabetic Educator (CDE) is expected. A minimum of three years’ experience in diabetes care and education is required. Current BLS certification or obtained prior to providing direct patient care. Ability to demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served in the hospital. The nurse must focus their efforts on helping patients with diabetes effectively self-manage their diabetes and prevent complications. Educates patients on the necessary lifestyle changes involved in a diabetes diagnosis, including nutrition, medication, physical activity and glucose testing. Collects patient data to monitor health status and proactively manages the patient's condition. In addition, the nurse educator must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and possess the ability to assess data reflective of the patient’s requirements relative to his or her age-specific needs and to provide the care needed as described in the unit/area/department policies and procedures. Highly effective verbal and written communication skills are necessary in order to educate patients and their families and work with medical, nursing and management staff. Demonstrated ability in public speaking preferred.
The diabetes educator’s role in coordination of care and facilitating transitions should include:
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utilizing a patient and family-centered approach
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collaborating closely with other team members, including providers, social workers, care managers, pharmacists, dieticians, and community partners
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empowering patients and caregivers to actively participate in their care
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providing a clear and feasible discharge management plan based on clinical needs, patient preferences, goals, and abilities
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ensuring that a follow-up appointment for diabetes care is scheduled prior to discharge
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establishing partnerships with community-based providers and services to address health and social needs
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communicating the status of diabetes self-management education, plan of care, and medication reconciliation to next provider and/or site of care as needed
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identifying and mitigating risk factors for readmission
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evaluating outcomes of care coordination efforts such as readmission rates, communication of self-management plans, and patient satisfaction with discharge readiness
