Diabetes Nurse Educator: Permanent full-Time

#Summary 

#About the organization 

The Community Health Centres of Northumberland (CHCN) is a non-profit, registered charity that has been providing comprehensive, community-based health services since 2008. Established in 2007 and governed by a Community Board of Directors of twelve dedicated local residents, CHCN reflects the diverse strengths, experiences, and perspectives of Northumberland County.

CHCN’s interdisciplinary team of approximately 65 staff includes primary care providers, allied health professionals, dentists, dental hygienists and assistants, community health workers, and social workers. Together, they deliver care through an integrated model of health and wellbeing that recognizes the social, economic, and environmental factors influencing health.

#About the position 

Job Summary: 

Do you want to make a real difference in the lives of people in your community?

If you became a nurse because you wanted to help people, build relationships, and make a difference — this might be the role for you. As a Registered Nurse on our Diabetes Education Team, you’ll have the opportunity to work directly with people living with diabetes, helping them feel more confident, supported, and empowered in managing their health.

At the CHCN, we know that good health isn’t just about medical care. We see clients with prediabetes, Type 1, Type 2, Prediabetes, and Gestational diabetes for adult 18 years and older. Where someone lives, their access to food, housing, transportation, income, social supports and other resources can all affect their health. That’s why we take a health equity and person-centred approach to care. We work to meet people where they are and help reduce the barriers that can make managing diabetes more difficult. That is why the position includes travel to client homes, Alderville, Cobourg, and other communities as needed to provide accessible, responsive care and support. This flexibility helps us reduce barriers to care and connect with clients in the places and communities where they live.

Our CHCN is an ADP/pump-certified centre working with two Diabetes Specialists. You’ll provide diabetes education, clinical support and practical guidance based on current best practices and the individual needs of each client.  This includes supporting clients with diabetes management, medications and insulin, understanding blood glucose levels, foot care, eye health and other diabetes-related health risks.

You’ll work closely with our Registered Dietitians, Primary Health Care Providers and other members of the interdisciplinary team, bringing your nursing knowledge and perspective to collaborative care.

You’ll also have the opportunity to contribute to the ongoing development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of our Diabetes Education Program.

Most importantly, you’ll build relationships with people who may face significant barriers to accessing healthcare — and help them navigate those barriers.

This is more than diabetes education. It’s an opportunity to use your nursing skills to improve health, support equity and make a meaningful difference in the lives of people in our community.

COMPETENCY PROFILE:

1. SKILLS

Diabetes education, counselling & self-management support

• Assess individual learning needs and readiness for behaviour change.
• Provide education related to diabetes management, nutrition, medications, insulin, and monitoring.
• Use motivational interviewing and culturally/person-centred counselling approaches.

Health assessment & clinical intervention

• Conduct comprehensive health and diabetes assessments.
• Recognize changes in health status and respond appropriately.
• Apply clinical skills related to insulin, blood glucose monitoring and diabetes self-management.

Group facilitation, communication & interdisciplinary collaboration

• Facilitate diabetes education groups and health-promotion sessions.
• Communicate effectively with clients, families and health professionals.
• Collaborate within an interdisciplinary team and with community partners.

2. KNOWLEDGE:

 Diabetes management & evidence-based nursing practice

• Current evidence and best practices in diabetes prevention and management.
• Diabetes medications, insulin therapy, glucose monitoring and complications.
• Health promotion, nutrition, physical activity and behaviour-change strategies.

 Social determinants of health, health inequities & rural/community health

• Effects of income, housing, food security, transportation and social isolation on diabetes outcomes.
• Barriers experienced by marginalized and disadvantaged populations.
• Rural health needs and appropriate community-based approaches to care.

Community resources, mental health/addictions & population needs

• Local health, social and community resources available to clients.
• Interrelationship between diabetes, mental health, addictions and other chronic conditions.
• Needs of older adults, and other priority populations served by the community health centre.

3. JUDGMENT

Clinical assessment & risk identification

• Interpret health assessment findings and identify changes requiring intervention.
• Recognize diabetes-related risks, complications and situations requiring escalation.
• Determine when additional assessment, consultation or referral is required.

Individualized care planning & clinical decision-making

• Develop care plans based on clinical findings, client goals, health literacy and circumstances.
• Balance evidence-based recommendations with client preferences and ability to access care.
• Adapt education and interventions when barriers to diabetes self-management are    identified.

Prioritization, referral & coordination of care

• Determine priorities among competing client and population health needs.
• Make appropriate referrals to primary care, specialists, and community services.
• Coordinate care across interdisciplinary and community-based providers.

4. ACCOUNTABILITY

Professional standards, scope of practice & ongoing competency

• Maintain registration and practice in accordance with College of Nurses of Ontario requirements and professional standards.
• Maintain current diabetes knowledge and work toward/maintain CDE designation and insulin competency.
• Be a lifelong learner who is curious, open to new evidence and committed to continually growing knowledge and skills in diabetes management and education.
• Take responsibility for ongoing professional development through education, conferences, e-learning and literature review.

Program development, implementation, monitoring & evaluation

• Participate in developing and implementing diabetes education and health-promotion programs.
• Monitor program participation, effectiveness, and client outcomes.
• Use evaluation findings to improve services and respond to community needs.

Client outcomes, documentation & continuity of care

• Maintain accurate, timely and confidential clinical documentation.
• Ensure appropriate follow-up and continuity of care.
• Take responsibility for client safety, quality of care and achievement of agreed-upon outcomes.

SERVICE RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assists clients to make choices and take actions to manage their health to the full extent of their abilities.
• Will conduct foot screens.
• If not pump certified, will work towards pump certification within 1 year of employment
• Provides individual counselling to clients living with diabetes, including their families or caregivers, as appropriate.
• Develops client centered health promotion and health maintenance plans related to diabetes.
• Adjusts insulin in accordance with established medical directives and makes medication recommendations.
• Support referral to appropriate internal and external resources, program and services (ex., foot care, Community Paramedicine, etc.).
• Promotes healthy lifestyle choices by providing information, education, skill building opportunities, encouragement and motivational interviewing
• Will work towards completion of the CHCN Insulin Exam and Certified Diabetes Educator designation.
• Participates in self-directed learning to ensure that practice remains relevant by attending professional conferences, e-learning and journal reviews.
• Communicates with relevant professional groups to maintain professional linkages and professional support.

#Qualifications

•  Registered Nurse (RN) in good standing with the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO), with a current certificate of registration

• Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE) (or actively working towards CDE designation at next available testing cycle).
• Knowledge of the social determinants of health and their affects on well being.
• Experience working with marginalized people as well as the elderly, those suffering from mental health problems and/or addictions.
• Understanding of issues of disadvantaged groups and of rural health needs.
• Experience in program development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation skills.
• Proficiency in the use of computers and various software applications.
• Ability to work flexible hours, if required.
• Valid Ontario’s driver’s license and the use of a vehicle, with mileage covered.
• Vulnerable Sector Police check is required.