Diabetes Educator & Dietitian — DSMES Specialist

Wellstar Health System; Sandy Springs (GA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Wellstar Health System is seeking a Diabetes Educator/Dietitian to coordinate diabetes self-management education and nutritional care across care settings. The role includes clinical assessment, education, documentation, and collaboration with the diabetes care team.

You will educate patients and families on ADA-aligned nutrition strategies, use glucose monitoring tools, and support care transitions while participating in quality improvement initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Develops, implements, and promotes quality services based on client expectation and needs.
• Collaborates with patient and/or family member, and health care team to assess DSMES (Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support) needs of patients.
• Provides services and establishes goals based on the identified needs of patients and/or family members.
• Applies knowledge and skills in developing, implementing and maintaining nutrition care plans
• Continuously evaluates DSMES processes and patient outcomes and implements quality practice by following system policies, procedures, and evidenced based research
• Provides care according to organizational ethics, licensure and Standards of Professional Practice for Dietetics Professionals
• Applies Joint Commission and/or regulatory standards in the provision of DSMES
• Utilizes patient experience and empathy skills when interacting with patients and family members
• Participates in appropriate committees and team member huddles
• Engages in quality improvement iniatives and projects
• Explains available tools used for monitoring, such as self-monitoring of blood glucose, continuous glucose monitoring, mobile applications, and appropriate techniques for accurate collection of patient generated health data (PGHD). Interprets data generated from monitoring tools. Demonstrates proficiency with operation and download of insulin pumps. Translates data findings into actionable recommendations based on the plan of care. Applies knowledge of monitoring to provide guidance on achievement of treatment goals. Assists individuals with recognition of barriers and implementation of strategies for effective monitoring.
• Advocates for and supports technology-enabled diabetes education and care, in individual and population health diabetes services.
• Documents all individual contacts/visits in the Electronic Health Record and outcomes data base according to the guidelines in a timely manner. Provide medical nutrition therapy according to system policy and A.N.D. Nutrition Care Process practice standardsa.
• Utilizes the Nutrition Care Process when assessing patients
• Responsible for nutrition screen, assessment, diagnosis, intervention, and monitoring/evaluation of identified at risk patients
• Apply psycho-social, age appropriate, evidence-based nutrition care
• Document all patient encounters in the health care record in accordance with hospital and department policies and procedures
• Assess patient’s learning needs, barriers to learning, preferred learning styles and educational level and provides nutrition education accordingly
• Utilizes community resources through the continuum of care to foster positive patient outcomes
• Identifies expected outcomes of patient care
• Assist with processing prior authorizations for patient equipment, medication, DME needs etc.
• Teamwork and Collaboration- Coordinates the delivery and documentation of quality patient education that promotes the professional care delivery model. This includes, but is not limited to, diverse and inclusive interdisciplinary communication methods, completion of timely documentation and promotion of a respectful, inclusive educational environment.
• Demonstrates teamwork and collaboration by practicing in a manner that is fiscally responsible and promotes the recruitment and retention of all department team members.
• Participates and supports performance improvement using LEAN Six Sigma.
• Collaborates, advocates, and confers other members of the diabetes care team in developing person-centered diabetes plans. Serves as a subject matter expert in diabetes technology for the care team and identifies opportunities to use technology to improve quality of life.
• Professional Development and Initiative- Completes all initial and ongoing professional competency assessment, required mandatory education and population specific education. Non-CDE employees to complete 15 hours of diabetes-related CEUs annually; CDE employees to maintain CEU requirements.
• Serves as a preceptor and/or mentor for other department educators.
• Engages in lifelong self-development to improve knowledge and skills that promote continued competence.
• Conducts yearly self-assessment to identify professional strengths and weaknesses
• Identifies needs for professional development and mentors dietetic interns
• Documents professional development activities according to system policies
• Engage in continuous learning opportunities to further develop skills and capabilities in application technical and functional areas
• Locates, reviews, and utilizes best practice research findings for their application in optimally managing a disease or condition and improving patient outcomes.
• Upholds all system/organizational/departmental policies and procedures and clinical competencies put forth by this job description and professional association including legal, regulatory and accreditation requirements and standards ensuring, by way of example, fulfilment of American Diabetes Association standards, Joint Comission Patient Safety Goals and Wellstar Health System’s safety absolutes.
• Participates in data collection and chart audits.
• Consults appropriate experts and uses appropriate resources and evid

Job description

Wellstar Health System is seeking a Diabetes Educator/Dietitian to coordinate diabetes self-management education and nutritional care across care settings. The role includes clinical assessment, education, documentation, and collaboration with the diabetes care team.

You will educate patients and families on ADA-aligned nutrition strategies, use glucose monitoring tools, and support care transitions while participating in quality improvement initiatives.