The Diabetes Nurse Educator is a member of the EVMS Diabetes in Pregnancy Program and partners with Maternal-Fetal Medicine providers and the multidisciplinary care team to deliver specialized diabetes education and management for individuals before, during, and after pregnancy. The position focuses on promoting optimal glycemic control through individualized patient dietary education, insulin management, continuous glucose monitoring (CGM), insulin pump therapy, and evidence-based clinical care.

The Diabetes Nurse Educator reviews glucose data, collaborates with providers to support treatment decisions, and serves as a resource for patients and staff on current diabetes technologies and best practices. This role requires excellent communication, sound clinical judgment, and a commitment to providing compassionate, patient-centered care that supports improved maternal and neonatal outcomes. This position is primarily based out of the Virginia Beach office but will require travel to all office locations as needed.

Clinic- 70%

• Call patients from reception area. Obtain and record vital signs such as height, weight, temperature and blood pressure.  May be required to draw blood and give injections. May be required to perform a urine dipstick test. Will be required to download and interpret data from Continuous Glucose Sensors and Inulin Pumps under direct supervision.
• Record all pertinent patient information in Electronic Medical Record (EMR).
• When necessary, will chaperone physician in examining room as needed; assist with minor surgical and diagnostic procedures.
• Perform an individualized assessment of the patient with diabetes (patients planning for pregnancy or pregnant with pre-existing diabetes as well as patients diagnosed during pregnancy with Gestational Diabetes). Formulate an education plan which includes identifying goals for self-management of her diabetes care. Provide diabetes education in the group setting (up to 5 patients) or as well as one-on-one (in-person and via telehealth) as clinically indicated. Diabetes education will include dietary teaching, use of glucose monitors, acceptable blood glucose levels for pregnancy, use of blood sugar/diet log, management of hypoglycemia and instructions on when to call the diabetes educator and/or physician.  Review with MD adjustments made in dosages of oral medication and split dose insulin to optimize glycemic control.  Assist MD in identification of appropriate Incumbents for insulin pump therapy and may participate in insulin pump initiation and management under direct supervision of MD.
• Obtains patient histories and reviews incoming visit history/notes provided by referring physicians.
• Correlate the patient’s clinical history and appropriate nursing actions for referral.
• Review patient lab results, discuss abnormal findings with the physician and follow up with patient regarding treatment prescribed by the physician as necessary.
• Assists with providing education to the patient in the process of starting insulin.
• Incumbent will participate as a member of a multi-disciplinary comprehensive team approach to the care of the pregnant patient with diabetes.
• Provide education and act as a resource to other staff members regarding the care of patients with diabetes.
• Actively recruit patients for any research protocols conducted in the Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine involving obstetrical patients. Participate in data collection as requested.
• Learn and follow the established MFM protocols for management of pregnant patients with diabetes.
• Promote the philosophy, goals and objectives of the School and the Department by becoming familiar with and complying with policies and procedures.
• Maintain clinical competency in areas of responsibility to ensure quality patient care which includes validation of skill level by passing both verbal and written tests administered by supervisor.

Triage- 20%

• Assess health education needs of patients at each clinical or phone encounter and provide ongoing education and coordination of care throughout pregnancy and post-partum.
• Answer patient phone calls regarding diabetes management, accurately document such encounters in the EMR, and appropriately triage patients.
• Coordinate additional care for antepartum, postpartum patients to include follow-up testing or procedures, scheduling, physician’s orders, and hospital admissions.

Administrative- 10%

• Maintain an inventory of supplies for diabetes education (glucose testing equipment/educational materials) and ensure that they are adequately stocked for daily clinical activities.
• Initiate authorization for services and completes required prior authorization for both medication and requests for additional services
• Act as a liaison between patients, referring practices, staff at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital Labor and Delivery/Antepartum unit, and staff at Maternal Fetal Medicine regarding patient’s care.
• Attendance, as assigned, is essential to meeting required performance duties.
• Complete other miscellaneous duties as assigned by supervising staff which may include assisting with nursing duties/care involving pregnant patients with other High Risk problems but without diabetes on an as needed basis.
• Performs other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications and Skills:

• Graduate of an NLN-accredited School of Nursing with a current Registered Nurse (RN) license required.
• A current, unrestricted Virginia RN license or active interstate compact license is required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) preferred.
• Certification as a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) is preferred. Candidates who are not certified at the time of hire must obtain CDCES certification within one year of employment as a condition of hire.
• A minimum of one year of clinical experience caring for patients with diabetes is preferred.
• Experience in obstetrics or women's health is highly desirable but not required. Candidates without obstetric experience must demonstrate a willingness to develop competency in diabetes management during pregnancy through orientation, training, and ongoing professional development.