Job Description

POSITION SUMMARY:

In accordance with the American Nurses Association’s “Standards of Clinical Nursing Practice,” the registered nurse, under the general supervision of the Nurse Manager, is primarily responsible for professional performance and direct patient care.  The RN is a staff nurse in the clinic with a particular emphasis on diabetes education.  The role encompasses nursing assessment, diagnosis, planning, intervention, evaluation, and coordination of care for patients and their families across the health continuum.  The registered nurse is accountable for clinical, educational, quality and fiscal patient care outcomes using the model of care designed by the nursing department and in accordance with established hospital policies, procedures, protocols, guidelines and standards of practice in addition to the National Standards for Diabetes Self-Management Education set forth by the American Diabetes Association.  The registered nurse collaborates with other educators and providers in the areas of program development, implementation, marketing and review of clinical programs/services; provides nursing care to clinic patients as needed; and participates in the development of education curricula and materials.  Collaborates with other staff RN, CDEs to maintain site ADA certification.

Position: Registered Nurse

Department: Certified Diabetes Educator, Endocrinology

Schedule: 40 Hours (Days)

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES / DUTIES:

STANDARDS OF CARE

CLINICAL PRACTICE

Serves as an expert clinician and consultant to staff, patients, and their families and provides patient care as a staff nurse and diabetes educator.

1.1     In collaboration with the multidisciplinary health care team, participates in the development and implementation of patient care  policies, procedures, protocols, clinical guidelines, and standards of care.

1.2     Role models professional practice behaviors when providing direct patient care, counseling, and teaching to patients and families with complex or specialized care needs.

1.3     Practice is in compliance with established practice standards, policies, procedures, protocols, guidelines, statutes and regulations (examples:  Dept of Public Health, Joint Commission, OSHA and DEA).

1.4     Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age groups of patients regularly served. 

1.5     Consistently uses clear, concise, and effective written/oral communication and complies with departmental policies when sharing/documenting patient care data.  Communicates information and coordinates patient care with appropriate members of the health care team. Works collaboratively with medical staff, administrative and other clinic staff.  Performs telephone triage of patient calls with communication to providers if warranted.

1.6     Participates in patient care conferences for problem solving with the diabetes team and unit journal club.

1.7     Assists staff to function effectively and efficiently in emergency situations

1.8     Prioritizes workload assignments based on fluctuation patient and staff needs.

1.9     Delivers care in a manner that protects and preserves client autonomy, dignity, confidentiality and rights in a non-judgmental and non-discriminatory manner that is sensitive to and demonstrates respect for a diverse patient population.

1.10   Participates in hospital and departmental cost containment initiatives and practices.

1.11  Completes EMR documentation and billing according to BMC policy and procedures.

1.12  Participates in Boston Medical Center customer service initiatives

1.13  Completes prescription refills according to current policy and coordinates medication prior authorizations.

1.14  Is available for unscheduled visits for urgent problems

EDUCATOR

Serves as a health care educator to patients, families, nursing staff, students and other members of the health care team.

2.1   The diabetes educator conducts a thorough, individualized assessment of the patient with diabetes. Develops a DSMT plan of care that prescribes interventions to attain mutually acceptable outcomes using current nursing practice standards, policies, procedures, protocols and guidelines taking into consideration the patient’s diagnoses, capabilities and resources available.

2.2    Addresses specific desired outcomes and demonstrates respect for the client’s culture, lifestyle, and health beliefs.

2.3    Conducts ongoing assessment of client learning needs.  Evaluates and assesses patient’s management and training needs, self-care behaviors and obstacles to successfully implement therapy in a variety of settings. Involves family members and health care providers in the evaluation process as needed.  Is available by telephone for problem solving and support.

2.4    Applies department Insulin Adjustment Protocol for hyperglycemia, hypoglycemia and “sick days”.

2.5    Demonstrates up to date technical competency with subcutaneous glucose sensing devices (CGMs), insulin delivery devices including insulin pump therapy.  Stays current with glucometers and diabetes medications.

2.6    Assumes a leadership role in the development, use, and evaluation of patient education materials.

2.7    Designs curriculum and instructs diabetes education groups for patients and families.

2.8    Helps develop new staff orientation programs and evaluates outcomes in probationary period.  Acts as mentor/preceptor.  Takes initiative to share knowledge and skills willingly with colleagues, students, and other practitioners.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

The nurse acquires and maintains current knowledge in the RN, CDE nursing practice.

3.1   Identifies own learning needs and participates in ongoing educational activities to enhance clinical knowledge base. 

3.2   Stays up to date on current evidence based practice in diabetes, diabetes management and behavior change  strategies. 

3.3  Offers, seeks out and acts upon constructive feedback regarding professional practice to improve daily  Practice and to achieve goals identified during performance appraisal.

3.4  Attends Endocrine Grand rounds and /or Fellow’s Conferences if topic applicable

3.5  Maintains current licensure and CDE certification

3.6  Completes all hospital mandatory requirements:  bi-annual BLS certification, institutional mandatory education- safety and infection control and all other hospital mandatory trainings and departmental specific competencies.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Graduate from an accredited RN BSN program

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS REQUIRED :

• Must be licensed to practice professional nursing as a registered nurse in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. 
• Certified Diabetes Education certificate required.

EXPERIENCE:

Five years of relevant clinical nursing experience.  Preferably with one year of outpatient experience

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

• Basic computer proficiency Effective interpersonal skills to facilitate communication with various members of the health care team, patients and families.
• Organizational skills to set priorities and efficiently complete assigned work.
• Analytical ability to solve clinical nursing issues and conduct quality improvement/research utilization projects.
• Demonstrated ability to apply principles of adult learning to provide education to patients, families and staff.
• Expert clinical judgment to function independently in an advanced clinical role.
• Organizational skills to set priorities and efficiently complete assigned work.
• Ability to effectively delegate appropriate patient care activities.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills appropriate to the patient populations served. Flexibility to adapt to changes in daily routine.
• Exposure to blood-borne diseases such as hepatitis or AIDS. 
• Busy clinic and hospital setting. 
• Possess the ability to work in stressful situations.
• Standing while conducting diabetes education and staff education. 
• Requires good communication and listening skills.
• Ability to problem solve around patient care and worksite issues. 
• Ability to work with different personalities and staffing limitations.
• Ability to handle stress due to clinical issues related to patient care and changes in organizational culture

Equal Opportunity Employer/Disabled/Veterans

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