As a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist working in a pediatric inpatient setting, you will be dedicated to providing specialized care and support to children and adolescents with diabetes during their hospital stay. Your role is essential in ensuring that young patients receive comprehensive education, management, and support to effectively cope with their condition while hospitalized. You will collaborate closely with the healthcare team to optimize diabetes management and facilitate a smooth transition back to home care. Saturday and Sunday 8 AM – 2 PM plus an additional 8 hours weekly, flexibility on distribution of weekday hours.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in nursing, or Masters in dietetics required.
• Current certification as a diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) through the certification Board for Diabetes Care and Education (CBDCE) preferred.
• Minimum of 2-3 years of experience working with pediatric patients with diabetes in an inpatient or outpatient setting preferred.

LICENSURE, CERTIFICATION, and/or REGISTRATION:

• Current license or certification to practice as a Registered Nurse (RN) or Registered Dietitian (RD) in the State of North Carolina.
• Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) preferred.
• If not certified, must obtain certification within two years.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Conduct through assessments of pediatric patients with diabetes upon admission to the hospital, considering their medical history, current treatment regimen, psychosocial factors, and developmental stage.
• Develop individualized care plans tailored to each child’s unique needs, incorporating age-appropriate strategies for blood glucose monitoring, insulin administration, nutrition, physical activity, and psychosocial support.
• Provide hands-on education and training to patients, parents, and caregivers on diabetes management techniques, including insulin therapy, carbohydrate counting, glucose monitoring, and recognition of hypo/hyperglycemia.
• Collaborate with the healthcare team, including physicians, nurses, dietitians, child life specialists, and social workers, to coordinate care and ensure a multidisciplinary approach to pediatric diabetes management.
• Monitor blood glucose levels regularly and adjust insulin doses as needed based on individualized treatment protocols and medicals orders.
• Offer emotional support and counseling to pediatric patients and their families, addressing fears, concerns, and challenges related to diabetes management and hospitalization.
• Facilitate communication and collaboration between the inpatient team and outpatient diabetes care providers to ensure continuity of care and a seamless transition upon discharge.
• Participate in quality improvement initiatives and research projects aimed at enhancing the care delivery process and improving outcomes for pediatric patients with diabetes.
• Maintain accurate and detailed documentation of patient assessments, care plans, interventions, and outcomes in electronic health records or other designated systems.