+ 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 follow-up evaluation of the patient/family’s attainment of identified self-management goals by telephone and/or office visits. + Prepares, reviews, and maintains current instructional materials/presentations on diabetes and nutrition related topics and utilizes only those approved by Mary Greeley Medical Center’s Diabetes Center. + 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; + Consults with physicians, nurses, and other health care professionals as appropriate, concerning patient’s progress. + Documents and maintains complete data/information in patient’s record. + Demonstrates blood, glucose monitoring, prepares equipment for finger stick testing of blood sugars, and performs Quality Control monitoring as required by lab guidelines. + Arranges for needed patient testing. + Directs patients in making follow-up appointments and purchasing equipment and supplies. + Completes charge cards in a timely manner and identifies correct CPT codes. + Takes into consideration the age, growth and development of the patient when planning and providing care. + Responds to and refers incoming telephone calls in a timely manner. + Participates in community diabetes and nutritional education projects, programs and screenings. + Remains knowledgeable in disease processes and treatment modalities as they relate to diabetes. + Remains knowledgeable in various medical conditions, dietary deficiencies, and nutrition and dietary principles as they relate to the nutritional care of patients for health maintenance. + Remains knowledgeable in various ADA standards/guidelines and various billing and insurance requirements. + Participates in the development and maintenance of Diabetes Education Center’s procedure manuals and documentation forms. + Maintains timely flow of patients through the department and education program(s). + Represents department and serves on various committees, teams, and boards as assigned or on a volunteer basis. + Cooperates as a member of the department and overall hospital team. + Treats each contact (patient, family member, visitor, physician, staff member, etc.) as the most important person of the moment by friendly acknowledgement, responsiveness, and courtesy. + Maintains regular and reliable attendance. + Performs related work per orientation and position competency checklists and skills validation. + Respects diversity and individualizes care to meet the unique needs of the patient. + Establishes partnerships with patients, families, support systems, and other providers, utilizing in-person and electronic communications, to reach a shared goal of delivering health care. + Promotes healing and health in a way that builds a relationship with the patient. + Collects comprehensive data pertinent to the patient and/or the situation. + Analyzes the assessment data to determine the nutrition related health issues. + Identifies expected outcomes for a plan individualized to the patient or the situation. + Develops a plan that prescribes strategies and alternatives to attain expected outcomes + Implements the identified plan. + Employs strategies to promote health and a safe environment. + Evaluates progress toward attainment of outcomes. + Maintains and improves the healthcare practice environment conducive to the provision of quality health care. + Attains knowledge and competence that reflects current dietetics practice. + Maintains professional competence. + Continually reassesses competencies and identifies needs for additional knowledge, skills, personal growth, and integrative learning experiences + Integrates evidence and research findings into practice. + Contributes to quality dietetics practice. + Demonstrates leadership in the professional practice setting and the profession. + Practices in an environmentally safe and healthy manner. + Participates in quality improvement and patient safety and customer service activities, including outcome monitoring. + Maintains a safe and clean environment. + 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.