Position Summary

As a member of the multi-disciplinary team at the Adult Diabetes Education Centre (ADEC) the Registered Nurse Diabetes Educator is responsible for providing diabetes education for the prevention and management of diabetes, as per current practice guidelines. Clients include patients referred to ADEC with prediabetes, both type 1 & 2 diabetes, impaired glucose tolerance of pregnancy (IGTP) and gestational diabetes, their family members and/or support workers as well as physicians and allied health professionals.

The Registered Nurse Diabetes Educator will act as a consultant for ADEC and will participate in the overall coordination and planning of the program, as per the mission, goals and objectives of Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital (OSMH). In addition, the educator will work as part of the multidisciplinary team providing in-hospital patient care including but not limited to acting as a resource to support transition back to the community upon discharge. They will also provide support as a resource for regional community partners.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

l. Patient Care

• Assisting patients achieve their optimal level of health.
• Providing support to patients in accepting, understanding and living with diabetes.
• Completing a patient assessment using OSMH electronic medical record (EMR) and/or technology as adapted. Patient needs will be identified based on laboratory, physical, nutritional and psycho/social factors. The educator will assist patients to develop self-management goals to promote empowerment in diabetes self-care.
• Developing and implementing client centered diabetes education and management plans based on patient’s self-management goals.
• Providing education relevant to the patient’s individual needs, including disease process, prevention and care of complications, foot care, self-monitoring blood glucose, and medication and insulin therapy. The approach includes one-on-one and group education. Current educational and behavioral models/theories are utilized (i.e. Stages of Change, empowerment, self-efficacy, etc).
• Providing ongoing evaluation of patient care based on laboratory, physical, nutritional and psycho/social factors. Follow-up will include individual, group and/or telephone appointments, as required. Preference is for in-person visits.
• Initiating patients to insulin therapy (daily, multiple daily injections (MDI) or continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII)), based on physician orders. This includes insulin self-administration, dose adjustment and teaching patient’s self-management practices.
• Documenting all patient related care in the EMR computer program and send physician reports as per ADEC policy and procedures.
• Collaborating with physicians, as required, to evaluate patient progress/needs.
• Acting as a resource person for diabetes education, based on collaboration with allied health professionals and community partners, with recommended referrals as required.
• Providing diabetes education according to the practice standards of the College of Nurses of Ontario.

2. Program Co-ordination

• Participating in Core and Planning Committee meetings.
• Participating in the planning, implementation and evaluation of the ADEC, to include the ADEC program, health promotion activities and education (i.e Health Professional Day).
• Participating in the development, evaluation and revision of ADEC policies and procedures.
• Participating in OSMH workload measurement.
• Collaborating/communicating with physicians and other health professionals to ensure consistency and continuity of program delivery.
• Promoting awareness of ADEC services and programs within the region, and involving community partners.
• Assuming responsibilities delegated by the ADEC Manager.
• Participating in OSMH committees/meetings as delegated by the ADEC Manager.

3. Professional Development

• Maintaining and developing professional competence through ongoing professional development, with full participation in the Quality Assurance Program of the College of Nurses of Ontario.
• Remaining current and aware of opportunities to implement new, evidenced-based methods of patient assessment and treatment.
• Attending appropriate workshops, professional conferences, in-services and participating in e-learning, journal and literature reviews as required to update knowledge and skills pertaining to diabetes education and management, to include, clinical practice guidelines, current nursing practice, educational and behavioral models/theories, insulin delivery systems including pens, insulin pumps, glucose monitors and continuous glucose monitoring systems.
• Participating in interdisciplinary committees to promote professional/interpersonal development.
• Participating in clinical projects/studies as required.
• Liaising with other health professionals.
• Maintaining proficiency in computer skills and computer software, as required.

Performs other duties as may be assigned by the Program Manager.

Qualifications

Education:
• Member in good standing and active registration with the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO)
• Current BCLS required.
• Physical Assessment certificate required, or willingness to acquire within 1 year of hire.
• Certification or evidence of pursuing certification as a Diabetes Educator required.
• Successfully achieve Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE) credential within one year of hire required.
• Membership in the Diabetes Educators Section of the Canadian Diabetes Association preferred.

Experience:
• Minimum two (2) years Medical/Surgical nursing experience required.
• Experience with diabetes education preferred.
• Experience with adult group education, presentation and public speaking preferred.
• Experience working with patients who have the following complex medical issues an asset: congestive heart failure, acute and chronic kidney disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes and palliative care.

Competencies:
• Demonstrated knowledge of chronic disease prevention and management
• Demonstrated knowledge of insulin therapy, to include MDI and CSII. Will be required to obtain and maintain insulin adjustment competency and medication dispensing certification requirements.
• Demonstrated computer literacy.
• Demonstrated strong communication skills in English, both written and verbal.
• Demonstrated ability to organize, prioritize and multi task efficiently.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality and work in a highly professional manner.
• Demonstrated ability to educate, facilitate and present information clearly and precisely.
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and in a team environment.
• Demonstrated ability to perform all duties in the job description

Other:
• Must have a valid G driver’s license and a reliable vehicle to provide client care services at all OSMH sites this also includes community outreach locations off-site.
• Demonstrates commitment to continued professional and personal growth and development through Continuing Education Programs and Self-Directed Learning Opportunities.
• Must be able to work all shifts including weekday/weekends/holidays as required.

PATIENT SAFETY

Participates in and complies with hospital safety and infection control programs.

• Reports unsafe conditions
• Assists in the reporting and investigation of incidents
• Reviews related policies and procedures on a regular basis
• Maintains patient and Hospital confidentiality as per policy
• Responds appropriately to codes and completes mandatory e-learning education modules initially and on-going as they become due for renewal.
• Participates in quality activities or projects, as required
CORPORATE VALUES:

Encourage and maintain positive employee/employer relationships within the Hospital environment in accordance with the Hospital’s Vision, Mission and Values.
CONTACTS:

Internal: Interacts with hospital staff, physicians, patients and their family members via face to face, telephone and email as required.

External: interacts with key stakeholders via face to face, telephone and email as required.

OSMH is committed to diversity and equity in the workplace and welcomes applications from all qualified individuals, including women, visible minorities, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ2S persons and others who may contribute to a diverse workplace.

Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital is a respectful, caring, and inclusive workplace. We are committed to championing accessibility, diversity, equal opportunity and maintaining a barrier-free selection process for job applicants. Requests for accommodation can be made at any stage of the recruitment process providing the applicant has met the requirements for the open position. Applicants need to make their requirements known to the Human Resources department when contacted. All requests are handled confidentially.