Diabetes Educator-RN or RD​/Dietitian

Overview

We ve made a lot of progress since opening the doors in 1942, but one thing has never changed - our commitment to serve, heal, lead, educate, and innovate. We believe that every award earned, every record broken and every patient helped is because of the dedicated employees who fill our hallways.

At Ochsner, whether you work with patients every day or support those who do, you are making a difference and that matters. Come make a difference at Ochsner Health and discover your future today!

This job works with organizational management to implement and maintain a nationally recognized Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (DSMES) program for the health system. Works closely with diabetic patients to perform an assessment of physical health, medications, psychosocial issues and identifies areas for education and clinical interventions based on current national diabetes care standards and guidelines. Collaborates with the patient, medical provider team, and other care team specialists to develop and implement diabetes care plans and maintain medical records.

Provides education to patients and caregivers on necessary self-care practices involved in a diabetes diagnosis, such as the disease process, acute and chronic complications, nutrition, medications, exercise, special self-care needs such as foot care, and glucose testing. Serves as a diabetes care resource to healthcare professionals, including staff, clinicians and the community.

Education

Required - Bachelor of Science degree in Nutrition, Dietetics or related field Accredited by the Commission of Dietetic Registration OR Associate/bachelor s degree in nursing OR bachelor s degree and/or license /certification required by the Certification Board of Diabetes Care and Education (CBDCE) or Registered nurse diploma or bachelor s degree in related field

Preferred - Master s degree in related field

Work Experience

Required - 3 years of experience with direct patient contact

Certifications

Preferred - Certification as a Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) by the Certification Board for Diabetes Care and Education Specialists (CBDCES)

Knowledge

Skills and Abilities

(KSAs)

• Proficiency in using computers, software, and web-based applications.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills and ability to present information clearly and professionally.
• Strong interpersonal skills, and ability to communicate clearly and professionally to varying levels of individuals.
• Ability to maintain reliable transportation.
• Ability to work outside normal work hours, to include evenings and weekends.
• Ability to effectively adapt to change in systems, practices, technology and accommodates fluctuating variables in practice setting such as patient volume, patient acuity, skill, experience and training of personnel, utilization of supplies and equipment, and utilization of manpower resources.

• Guides persons with diabetes in establishing individualized behavioral and clinical goals to address the needs identified in the assessment, develops success parameters, and uses behavior change methodology to facilitate patient participation in the education process.
• Develops an education plan to address behavioral goals established during the goal setting process, develops a learning plan to address gaps in knowledge, collaborates with patients to plan strategies for addressing barriers identified, and refers to the prescriber as needed.
• Consults and coordinates with health care team members to assess, plan, implement and evaluate patient care plans to enhance patient satisfaction, care, and safety.
• Instructs individuals, families and other groups on topics related to diabetes education, disease prevention and management, and develops health improvement programs.
• Recommends pharmacological treatment options, medical devices or other forms of treatment as needed, such as insulin pumps, continuous glucose monitors and temporary continuous glucose monitors. Recommends alternative forms of treatment due to financial, ambulatory, or disability needs.
• Adapts behavior to the specific patient population, including but not limited to: respect for privacy, method of introduction to the patient, adapting explanation of services or procedures to be performed, requesting permissions and communication style.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work only. They are not an exhaustive list of all required responsibilities, duties, and skills. Other duties may be added, or this description amended at any time.

Remains knowledgeable on current federal, state and local laws, accreditation standards or regulatory agency requirements that apply to the assigned area of responsibility and ensures compliance with all such laws, regulations and standards.

This employer maintains and complies with its Compliance & Privacy Program and Standards of Conduct, including the immediate reporting of any…