Diabetes Educator RD

Diabetes Educator RD

Position Summary

Under general supervision, provides an accessible, therapeutic and systematic learning experience for people with diabetes and / or nutritional needs and their families. This learning experience is based on individual needs with promotion and maintenance of self-care management, optimal health and quality of life.

Ensures all actions taken in carrying out responsibilities support patient centered care.

Position Responsibilities

Unit Specific Position Responsibilities

• Participates in precepting and mentoring while providing education / orientation to staff, students, and others.
• Obtains a comprehensive nutritional assessment from patient and / or family.
• Identifies patient / family’s specific diabetes self-management needs, goals, and specific behavioral changes.
• Develops and implements an individualized plan of care based on assessment of the patient / family’s assessed learning needs, abilities, learning preferences, and readiness to learn.

Educates patient and / or family about all aspects of diabetes and diabetic health care, including :

diabetes disease processes and treatment options;

incorporating appropriate nutritional management

incorporating physical activity into lifestyle;

self-monitoring of blood glucose and urine ketones (when appropriate), and using results to improve control;

preventing, detecting, and treating acute complications;

preventing (through risk reduction behavior), detecting and treating chronic complications;

integrating psychosocial adjustment into daily life; and

management during pregnancy and gestational diabetes management (if applicable);

goal setting to promote health and problem solving for daily living; and

available health and community resources.

Provides other nutritional care services based on assessing patient’s needs, including :

counseling on good nutrition by assessing diet history and food habits;

developing and implementing individualized plans of care;

determining appropriate calorie levels for diets;

evaluating nutrient adequacies and making recommendations; and

counseling on special diets to assure proper preparation and consumption of nourishments;

Qualifications, Knowledge & Experience

Required Qualifications (Including any licensure, certification, education) :

Registered and Licensed as dietitian in State of Iowa.

Ability to demonstrate clinical competence and maintain current knowledge in caring for adolescent through geriatric patients.

Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.

Skill in effective oral and written communication in English.

Knowledge of basic arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Active Listening skills, giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

BLS training or within 90 days of hire and must maintain throughout employment.

Anyone hired after 01.01.2020 will require a CDCES certification. Those hired before 01.01.2020 will be required to get the CDCES certification upon renewal.

Mandatory Reporter training within 90 days of hire and must maintain throughout employment.

Organizational Requirements :

Maintain stroke education per regulatory requirements.

Preferred Qualifications :

Professional certification as Certified Diabetes Educator.

Required Knowledge, Skills & Experience :

Knowledge of nutrition and dietary principles to direct high quality nutritional care.

Knowledge of instructional skills and educational techniques to influence and guide proper care of diabetes patients for optimal health.

Ability to read, write, speak and understand the English language; to demonstrate basic computer skills; to read and understand chart documentation; and, to keep current with diabetes research and treatment modalities, changes in diabetes self-management, dietary deficiencies, and changes in nutrition and dietary principles.

Ability to communicate effectively in a professional and tactful manner with physicians, staff, patients and / or their representatives.

Ability to publicly present information to physicians, members of the care team, and others as appropriate.

Ability to be self-directed, flexible, and able to adapt to change.

Ability to communicate effectively, in English, with diverse population groups.

Ability to pursue and foster a sense of team and partnership across all disciplines.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills & Experience :

One year experience in educating persons with diabetes and nutritional needs.

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