Certified Diabetes Care Education Specialist- EndocrinologyMetabolism Full Time Days - Northwestern Memorial Healthcare

At Northwestern Medicine, every patient interaction makes a difference in cultivating a positive workplace. This patient-first approach is what sets us apart as a leader in the healthcare industry. As an integral part of our team, you'll have the opportunity to join our quest for better healthcare, no matter where you work within the Northwestern Medicine system. At Northwestern Medicine, we pride ourselves on providing competitive benefits: from tuition reimbursement and loan forgiveness to 401(k) matching and lifecycle benefits, we take care of our employees. Ready to join our quest for better?

The Diabetes Care and Education Specialist reflects the mission, vision, and values of Northwestern Medicine, adheres to the organization’s Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines and all other regulatory and accreditation standards.

The Diabetes Care and Education Specialist is a skilled professional clinician (Registered Nurse or Registered Dietitian )with competence in diabetes and lifestyle medicine.  Works cooperatively and communicates effectively within a multidisciplinary framework to actively promote holistic care for patients and families.  Demonstrates self-direction, excellent problem solving ability and initiative in the role of clinician, educator and consultant.

Responsibilities:

Clinical:

• Provides direct patient care and/or consultation using in-depth clinical knowledge and skills in area of Diabetes.
• Establishes Diabetes Education standards and develops policies and procedures that assure the provision of quality, comprehensive and coordinated care.
• Serves as a consultant to other disciplines on diabetes.
• Receives and assesses referrals from referring providers.
• Consults with multidisciplinary team as appropriate to develop, implement and evaluate care for patients and families.
• Educates patients and/or families on self management skills to promote optimal level of chronic disease management and wellness.
• Collaborates with the Patient Education Department on patient education needs and provides appropriate resources for patients specific to diabetes.
• Documents patient care activities in patient medical records.

Professional:

Demonstrates the following professional attributes:

• Exemplifies a professional image in appearance, manner and presentation.
• Is an advocate for patients and their significant others, coworkers, the community and the healthcare profession.
• Consistently exhibits accountability.
• Champions collaborative practice with coworkers and other disciplines and departments.
• Consistently demonstrates compassion to internal and external customers.
• Dynamic representative of the nursing profession in internal and external forums.
• Integrates theoretical knowledge base and clinical expertise in decision making.
• Assumes responsibility for meeting regulatory and other mandatory requirements.
• Assumes responsibility for personal development plan and education/certification related to clinical specialty area.
• Supports and models personal wellness

Leadership/Organization:

• Serves as a patient advocate and role model for "Patients First"
• Mentors staff to ensure quality of health care practices
• Participates in unit/departmental/divisional or hospital committees/task forces
• Consults with management in assessment, problem solving, decision making, and evaluating clinical/system issues

Education:

• Participates in programs to meet continuing education requirements.
• Provide formal education to both internal and external groups pertinent to diabetes.
• Develop and present educational materials in support of specific educational and behavioral goals, and modify such materials to as needed to support individual patients.

Research:

• Facilitates research based practice in clinical area of diabetes/lifestyle medicine.
• Collect and document quality management and outcomes research data.
• Participates in research pertinent to area of diabetes/lifestyle medicine.

Required:

• Willing to sit for the Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) exam within or after 2 years of hire
• Current certification in Basic Life Support at the healthcare provider level.
• Registered, Licensed Dietician or Registered Nurse (IL).
• Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts in accredited nutrition or nursing related field

Preferred:

• Two years of experience in diabetes care and education
• Expertise in Diabetes Technology
• Master’s degree in nursing, nutrition, counseling or related fields.
• Experience with insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitoring

Northwestern Medicine is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status.