Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (Healthcare)

Job Summary

As a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES), you will collaborate with patients, families, nursing staff, and healthcare professionals to promote diabetes management, patient education, and best practices for improving outcomes. You will oversee the Diabetes Program at Valley Presbyterian Hospital (VPH), providing expertise in patient care, consultation, and evidence-based education. Your role will focus on diabetes self-management, staff mentorship, and clinical leadership to enhance hospital-wide diabetes initiatives.

Your efforts will contribute to an environment of continuous learning and professional development, ultimately improving patient care, safety, and disease management outcomes.

Responsibilities

Clinical Expertise and Patient Care Excellence

• Provides individual and group diabetes education in alignment with National Standards for Diabetes Self-Management Education.
• Assesses patient medical, psychosocial, educational, and lifestyle needs to tailor appropriate self-management plans.
• Coaches patients on insulin techniques, glucose monitoring, meal planning, and other diabetes management strategies.
• Educates nursing and clinical staff on best practices for inpatient and outpatient diabetes care.
• Collaborates with the Wound Care team to educate patients and staff on diabetes-related wound prevention and treatment.

Program Leadership & Quality Improvement

• Serves as co-chair of the Glycemic Management Committee (GCM), leading hospital-wide initiatives to improve diabetes care.
• Tracks and analyzes clinical data related to diabetes management and presents findings to leadership.
• Provides expert consultation on policy and procedure development related to diabetes care and management.
• Ensures hospital-wide compliance with ADA, AADE, and regulatory guidelines for diabetes education and care.

Education & Staff Development

• Develops and delivers diabetes-related educational programs for hospital staff, patients, and community outreach.
• Creates patient education materials to support self-care and adherence to diabetes treatment plans.
• Mentors and provides ongoing training to clinical staff, ensuring proficiency in diabetes management techniques.
• Partners with the Dietary Department to promote proper nutrition education for patients with diabetes.

Research & Evidence-Based Practice

• Stays current with latest research, trends, and guidelines in diabetes care and education.
• Advocates for evidence-based practice to improve patient outcomes and optimize diabetes management.
• Collaborates with hospital leadership and educators to implement best practices in diabetes education.

Experience

• Three (3) years of recent full-time equivalent experience as a Diabetes Educator in an acute care or outpatient setting.
• Three (3) years of experience caring for patients with diabetes.
• Strong knowledge of Nurse Practice Act, The Joint Commission (TJC), and federal/state regulations related to diabetes management.

Skills

• Strong communication, leadership, and teaching abilities.
• Experience with patient counseling, community education, and program development.
• Knowledgeable in diabetes technology (continuous glucose monitors, insulin pumps, etc.).
• Ability to mentor staff and integrate research into practice.

Education

• Bachelor's degree in a healthcare field from an accredited college or university required.
• Master's degree preferred.

Licensures/Certification

• Current and unrestricted California Registered Nurse (RN) license - required.
• Certification as a Certified Diabetes Care & Education Specialist (CDCES) through the NCBDE - required.
• BLS certification required.
• LA City Fire Card within 30 days of hire.

Specific Responsibilities:

Diabetes Program Leadership:

• Leads the hospital's Diabetes Education Program, ensuring compliance with national standards.
• Chairs the Glycemic Management Committee (GCM), tracking key clinical metrics and promoting continuous improvement.
• Advocates for hospital-wide diabetes management policies and best practices.

Patient Education & Counseling:

• Provides individual and group education to patients on diabetes self-management, glucose monitoring, and lifestyle modifications.
• Develops and delivers community education programs to enhance public awareness of diabetes management.
• Serves as a resource for high-risk patients, ensuring adherence to evidence-based treatment plans.

Clinical and Operational Support:

• Works alongside nursing leadership, physicians, and dietitians to integrate diabetes care into hospital operations.
• Provides hands-on education in both inpatient and outpatient settings.
• Acts as a liaison between the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and Valley Presbyterian Hospital.

Professional Development & Research:

• Promotes continuing education and specialty certification in diabetes care.
• Encourages innovation and research to enhance evidence-based diabetes management strategies.
• Engages in hospital committees, performance improvement initiatives, and interdepartmental projects.

Salary Range: $58.50 - $78.92 per hour