Maternal Fetal Medicine Diabetic Nurse Educator en Hurley Medical Center

GENERAL SUMMARY: Assumes a direct role in assessing, educating, evaluating and planning diabetes self-management education for patients, family and significant others.  Collaborates with nursing departments, Registered Dietitians and other health care personnel in diabetes education and treatment options. Provides nursing consultation for other HMC departments as it relates to diabetes and diabetes education. Collaborates with community agencies and performs related work as requested.  Participates in quality assessment and continuous quality improvement activities. Complies with all appropriate safety and infection control standards.  Performs all job duties and responsibilities in a courteous and customer-focused manner according to the Hurley Family Standards of Behavior.                                                                                      

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:  Works under the general direction of the Director for Ambulatory Operations, or designee, who reviews work primarily through conferences and reports. Position requires a self-directed approach to performing responsibilities and duties.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

1. Develop and deliver individualized education plans for diabetes and pregnancy, encompassing nutrition, blood glucose monitoring, medication management including insulin initiation and pump therapy to minimize diabetes-related complications during pregnancy and the postpartum period. 
2. Collaborate with perinatologists and perinatal Advanced practitioners to develop and implement care plans. 
3. Explain the potential risks and complications associated with gestational diabetes and uncontrolled blood sugar during pregnancy for both mother and baby. 
4. Provides patient/family education in either the classroom or individual setting based on identified needs.
5. Refers patients/families to appropriate community agencies and other resources based on evidenced needs.
6. Provides in-depth instruction on using diabetes devices, such as insulin meters and pumps. 
7. Documents education based on hospital standards and in accordance with regulatory agencies for quality diabetes self-management education.
8. Evaluates diabetes education and patient level of education, along with behavioral goal attainment. 
9. Communicates effectively with staff, patients, family, physicians and others in person, in writing, on the phone and electronically.
10. Presents, when asked, to support groups and other interested community organizations and professional organizations. May be asked to coordinate the support group schedule and presentations. 
11. Participates in health fairs as needed.
12. Identifies, to the Director, needed changes in curriculum, teaching plans, handouts and educational manuals and any other areas related to diabetes education. 
13. Meets with sales representatives as needed to maintain updated information related to diabetes education, medications, blood glucose meters, technology and other areas that may impact patients with diabetes.
14. Aids to to ensure a smooth transition of care for postpartum handover to endocrinologist or primary care physician. 
15. Works to book appointments in conjunction with the secretary.
16. Demonstrates effective judgment and ability to understand, react competently, and treat (if appropriate) the unique needs of patient age groups served.
17. Is responsible to maintain and update own knowledge base related to diabetes and diabetes education by reading the circulated professional magazines, going on line to research areas of need and obtaining yearly CEU’s 
18. Serves as role model demonstrating high level of knowledge regarding diabetes treatment, care and education.
19. Performs other related duties as required, including new improvements and/or technology that relate to job assignment.
20. Agrees to scheduling flexibility; based on the needs of the MFM department and the community.

MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS:

1. Current Michigan licensure as a Registered Nurse
2. Bachelor's degree in health care education, health care administration or other management related field from an accredited college or university; preferred. 
3. Two (2) years of professional clinical experience as a Registered Nurse; preferred candidates will have at least two (2) years of diabetes education experience.
4. Certified BLS provider specializing in Basic Life Support credentialed from the American Heart Association (AHA) or American Red Cross obtained within 18 months prior to hire date or job transfer date or Certified Instructor.
5. Ability to work independently, set priorities and organize work while maintaining flexibility.
6. Ability to establish and maintain effective, harmonious working relationships with patients and their families, physicians and staff, external agencies and the public.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENT: Preferred applicants will already have certification as a Diabetes Educator by the National Certification Board for Diabetes Educators.  Applicants not already certified must become board-eligible as a Diabetes Educator by the National Certification Board for Diabetes Educators within three (3) years from date of appointment to classification.  Failure to become certified within the specific time period may result in the employee’s termination.