"Dietitian Nutritionist"

Under the general administration of the Division of Endocrinology, the incumbent in this position will provide appropriate education to patients with diabetes mellitus and ensure that it meets nationally recognized standards of care. Additionally, the incumbent will also provide nutritional assessments, education, and counseling for patients with diabetes, dyslipidemias, overweight or obesity, and metabolic syndrome.

Clinical Duties 90%

Diabetes Education:

I. Assure optimal patient education through the following:

a. Individualized and group assessment and education of patients.

b. Development of an educational care plan and its implementation.

c. Monitoring and reassessment of an individual's achievement of the educational and behavioral goals.

II. Educate patients and family members on administration and use of insulin and other blood glucose lowering medications, blood glucose monitoring, sick day management, hypoglycemia, and other topics appropriate to diabetes management including, but not limited to, pathophysiology and natural history, acute and chronic complications, role of exercise in management, and psychological impacts of the conditions and patients and care givers. Documents and evaluates all teaching efforts and resources used for educating patients, family members, and caregivers. Assess patient and caregivers needs for follow up education.

III. Explain and coordinate laboratory testing and procedures as needed, and discuss expectations and outcomes with patient.

IV. Teach patients and caregivers how to utilize advanced diabetes management technologies including insulin pump/continuous glucose monitor systems, insulin pumps, and continuous glucose monitors.

V. Teach patients and caregivers how to document blood glucose readings and report them to the Division's diabetes program.

VI. Troubleshoot patient concerns/problems/questions over the phone and upon walk-in to the clinic without an appointment.

VII. Review blood glucose results and discuss insulin dosing per protocols and standing orders with patient. Sending to physician for review as needed.

VIII. Maintain proficiency with software for downloading glucose meters and insulin pumps.

IX. Perform duties and responsibilities as required to achieve and maintain American Diabetes Association certification for the Division's diabetes program, including, but not limited to, facilitating and teaching group sessions, creating education curriculum and material for classes or one-on-one education.

X. Maintain database of patients for purposes of achieving and maintaining recognition by the ADA, tracking outcomes and research initiatives.

XI. Assist in the development of policies, procedures, clinical protocols and quality monitoring/improvement activities for the diabetes program.

XII. Maintain membership in professional organization (i.e, AND and ADCES), obtaining required CEU credits.

XIII. Educate and be a resource for other healthcare professionals at SIU regarding pre-diabetes and diabetes mellitus including diagnostic tests, treatment options, and indications for diabetes educator and dietitian referrals.

XIV. Develop, review, update and implement educational materials to meet the needs of the patients and professionals.

XV. Maintain documentation and patient records in the SIU HC medical record.

Dietetics:

A Provide nutrition counseling for patients diagnosed with diabetes mellitus, pre-diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemias, overweight or obesity, metabolic syndrome, and hypertension through individual and group appointments.

B. Teach patients with diabetes mellitus to carbohydrate count or maintain consistent carbohydrate intake with meals to facilitate efforts at achieving optimal glycemic control.

C. Maintain a complementary clinical schedule to the Medical Director and Division faculty to maximize patient access to services.

D. Serve as diabetes education resource for the Department of Medicine.

E. Communicate findings and recommendations to all referring physicians.

F. Coordinate the development and revision of nutrition-related educational materials.

G. Maintain documentation and patient records in the SIU HC medical record.

Administrative 10%

A. As directed by faculty, deliver presentations, design programs, display or educational materials on behalf of the program, both to internal and external groups.

B. Collaborate with the Division in gathering data for ADA accreditation; play an active and integral role in maintaining accreditation.

C. Assist with development of research questions and indicators for quality improvement monitoring.

D. Maintain active role in Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

E. Maintain continuing education credits in areas pertinent to the practice.

F. Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Minimum Acceptable Qualifications

1. Possession of current Registered Dietitian licensure from the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulations and credentials and registration from the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.