Clinical Practice and Professional Development - Diabetes Patient Care and Education Coordinator

The University of Illinois Hospital & Clinics (UI Health) is seeking a full-time Clinical Practice and Professional Development to join their team. The Diabetes Patient Care and Education Coordinator plays a vital role in developing, evaluating, and implementing the organizational glycemic control program. Provides diabetes self-management education/training (DSMT) and/or support for medical nutrition therapy (MNT) to patients, family members, and care delivery groups. Supports the care of this distinct patient population through assessment of educational needs, nutritional guidelines, lifestyle interventional goals, and counseling. Coordinates patient care in collaboration with other healthcare providers (physicians, pharmacists, case managers, social workers, etc.) to develop effective individualized protocols (medication, therapy, nutrition, devices, etc.) that empower patients with the techniques and behavior modifications to help control their disease, avoid potential complications, and bring about lasting improvements in their quality of life. Develops curriculum on health, including research and production, and acts as a health care consultant by providing information on diabetes management for patients of all ages from infancy to geriatrics. Individuals will be responsible for implementing standardized practice, assisting in hospital utilization, resource management, coordination of care through the continuum, and monitoring and reporting quality outcomes. This position will serve as a liaison with nursing and organization quality, medical and patient care services leadership, physicians, and nursing staff.

Duties & Responsibilities

Clinical

• Promotes the mission, vision, and values of the organization.
• Provides education related to diabetes and the disease process; medication, diet, and nutritional monitoring; foot care, prevention, and care of complications; blood glucose monitoring and the techniques of self-monitoring and injection.
• Develop and implement educational programs for staff, patients, and families with diabetes.
• Advises patients as to long-term complications of uncontrolled diabetes.
• Provides clinical resources and consultation to staff and physicians.
• Assists patients in monitoring blood glucose for the purpose of medication control and adjustment for both insulin and noninsulin-treated patients with diabetes.
• Assesses, monitors and implements treatment plans for patients at various stages of the disease. The focus is on prevention of complications and the management of diabetes.
• Provides ongoing assessment and recommendations to the treatment team and patient/family for adjustments in the plan of care as required.
• Documents assessments, interventions, and plans, including recommendations and goals, progress notes, and discharge summaries.
• Coordinates community outreach education classes to include the schools.
• Uses clinical expertise to collaborate with nursing staff and other healthcare teams to improve patient outcomes.
• Coordinates the development and evaluation of the organization’s diabetes management strategies, policies, and planning.
• Educates staff on consistent care and treatments of these patient populations. Searches for and assures current evidence are utilized in the treatment of diabetes.
• Plays a collaborative role with all providers in the identification, care, and treatment of these patient populations.
• Searches for and assures current evidence are utilized in the treatment of diabetes.
• Assures policies, procedures, and practices are current and evidence-based relative to protocols and modifies as necessary.
• Assists with improving continuity of care for patients with diabetes in the outpatient setting through active communication with clinic staff, schedulers, and discharged patients themselves.

Professional/Leadership

• Advocates for patients, families, their significant others, the community, and the nursing profession.
• Integrates theoretical knowledge, evidence-based research, and current standards of practice.

Requirements include:

Minimum Qualifications

• Licensure as a Registered Professional Nurse in Illinois with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, Division of Professional Regulation.
• Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES).
• MSN (Master of Science in Nursing) is required from an accredited nursing program.
• A minimum of two years’ experience in a healthcare setting, preferably in diabetes prevention or health education program.
• Current AHA (American Heart Association) BLS/CPR and/or other required unit-specific certifications.
• Knowledge of Good Clinical Practices, FDA, HIPAA, and IRB regulations; an understanding of research procedures; and the ability to function independently is preferred.
• Knowledge of diabetes education services includes experience with continuous Glucose Monitors, insulin pumps, and continuous monitor data platforms. Experience with continuous glucose monitoring, glucose pattern recognition and providing patient education from this data.
• Ability to determine the appropriate course of action in more complex situations.
• Ability to work independently, exercise creativity, be attentive to detail, and maintain a positive attitude.
• Ability to manage multiple and simultaneous responsibilities and to prioritize scheduling of work.
• Ability to complete work assignments accurately and in a timely manner.
• Ability to handle demanding situations involving patients, physicians, or others in a professional manner.
• Effective communication skills (oral and written) that facilitate therapeutic relationships between patients, families, and health care providers.
• Is self-directed and works well in groups/teams, exercising sound clinical judgment.
• Intermediate computer skills with the ability to become proficient in the Electronic Health Record (EHR) with on-the-job training.

Preferred Qualifications

• DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice)

Salary & Benefits:

UI Health offers competitive benefit packages, including: vacation days, paid holidays, Floating Holidays, State University Retirement System, tuition waiver, tuition discount for dependents, and excellent medical, dental, and vision packages.

To Apply:

Applications will be accepted until the close date of September 9, 2024.

uic.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/2/home/requisition/11375?c=uic

The University of Illinois Chicago is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, protected veteran status, or status as an individual with a disability.

Offers of employment by the University of Illinois may be subject to approval by the University’s Board of Trustees and are made contingent upon the candidate’s successful completion of any criminal background checks and other pre-employment assessments that may be required for the position being offered. Additional information regarding such pre-employment checks and assessments may be provided as applicable during the hiring process.

As a qualifying federal contractor, the University of Illinois System uses E-Verify to verify employment eligibility.

The University of Illinois System requires candidates selected for hire to disclose any documented finding of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment and to authorize inquiries to current and former employers regarding findings of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment. For more information, visit here.

University of Illinois faculty, staff and students are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. If you are not able to receive the vaccine for medical or religious reasons, you may seek approval for an exemption in accordance with applicable University processes.