Dietitian Nutritionist (4704

Description

Under the general administration of the Division of Endocrinology, the incumbent in this position will provide appropriate education to patients with diabetes mellitus and ensure that it meets nationally recognized standards of care. Additionally, the incumbent will also provide nutritional assessments, education, and counseling for patients with diabetes, dyslipidemias, overweight or obesity, and metabolic syndrome.

On Site Only

Assure optimal patient education through the following:

• Individualized and group assessment and education of patients.
• Development of an educational care plan and its implementation.
• Monitoring and reassessment of an individual’s achievement of educational and behavioral goals.

Educate patients and family members on administration and use of insulin and other blood glucose lowering medications, blood glucose monitoring, sick day management, hypoglycemia, and other topics appropriate to diabetes management including pathophysiology, natural history, acute and chronic complications, role of exercise, psychological impacts, and care‑giver responsibilities. Assess patient and caregiver needs for follow‑up education.

Explain and coordinate laboratory testing and procedures as needed, and discuss expectations and outcomes with patients.

Teach patients and caregivers how to utilize advanced diabetes management technologies including insulin pumps, continuous glucose monitoring systems, and related software.

Teach patients and caregivers how to document blood glucose readings and report them to the Division’s diabetes program.

Troubleshoot patient concerns/problems/questions over the phone and upon walk‑in to the clinic without an appointment.

Review blood glucose results and discuss insulin dosing per protocols and standing orders with patients; send to physician for review as needed.

Maintain proficiency with software for downloading glucose meters and insulin pumps.

Perform duties to achieve and maintain American Diabetes Association certification for the Division’s diabetes program, including teaching group sessions, creating education curriculum and material.

Maintain database of patients for ADA recognition, tracking outcomes and research initiatives.

Assist in the development of policies, procedures, clinical protocols, and quality monitoring/improvement activities for the diabetes program.

Maintain membership in professional organizations (e.g., ADA and AADE), obtaining required CEU credits.

Educate and be a resource for other healthcare professionals regarding pre‑diabetes and diabetes mellitus including diagnostic tests, treatment options, and indications for referrals.

Develop, review, update, and implement educational materials to meet the needs of patients and professionals.

Maintain documentation and patient records in the SIU HC medical record.

• Provide nutrition counseling for patients diagnosed with diabetes mellitus, pre‑diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemias, overweight or obesity, metabolic syndrome, and hypertension through individual and group appointments.
• Teach patients with diabetes to carbohydrate count or maintain consistent carbohydrate intake with meals to facilitate optimum glycemic control.
• Maintain a complementary clinical schedule to the Medical Director and Division faculty to maximize patient access to services.
• Serve as diabetes education resource for the Department of Medicine.
• Communicate findings and recommendations to all referring physicians.
• Coordinate the development and revision of nutrition‑related educational materials.
• Maintain documentation and patient records in the SIU HC medical record.

• Deliver presentations, design programs, and display educational materials on behalf of the program to internal and external groups.
• Collaborate with the Division in gathering data for ADA accreditation; maintain accreditation.
• Assist with development of research questions and indicators for quality improvement monitoring.
• Maintain active role in the American Dietetic Association.
• Maintain continuing education credits in areas pertinent to the practice.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as…