Hire Certified Diabetes Educators
Diabetes is a disease with many challenges and complications. Individuals with diabetes may have different reactions, insights, and responses to the diagnosis. A certified diabetes educator provides the support and encouragement a person needs not just to manage the disease, but to do so with strength and confidence.
Hiring a certified diabetes educator starts with writing an accurate job description. It is the first point of communication between candidates and the hiring medical facility or institution. Create a job description that is clear, concise, and detailed. Are you looking for candidates who live in a specific area? What is the schedule? Is prior experience required? Outline the responsibilities and requirements clearly. Keep in mind that the job description is more than just a list of expectations. Highlight what you can offer the candidate, including: a great workplace culture, opportunities for growth, and other perks.
Additionally, be clear about the schedule, the number of hours, and location. Depending on the need, certified diabetes educators may work in hospitals, clinics, and community centers.
Once you have a compelling job description, posting your job announcement is the next step. Aside from general job boards, it is best for hiring managers to post job announcements on healthcare-specific job boards, online groups, and in community groups as well.
Certified Diabetes Educator Responsibilities
In managing a chronic disease like diabetes, patients rely on a dependable support system for education, guidance, and encouragement. Support may come from efficient collaboration among doctors, nurses, and the patients’ family and friends. A certified diabetes educator plays a vital role in this support group.
While doctors and nurses may prescribe medication and give general guidelines on dietary restrictions, certified diabetes educators provide much more comprehensive guidance to their patients. They develop individualized plans for specific lifestyle changes and shifts in daily routines. They educate both the patients and their families on what diabetes is, its impact on day-to-day life, and the importance of a radical change towards healthier choices.
Certified diabetes educators provide personalized diabetes treatment plans for patients and monitor the patients’ response, progress, and adherence. The goal for each patient is a long-term understanding of compliance.
Additionally, certified diabetes educators teach patients the proper way to identify and address complications that may result from diabetes. They also train patients to use devices like insulin pumps and glucometers.
Certified diabetes educators work one on one with patients or teach in groups via seminars and focused-group discussions. Lastly, certified diabetes educators support health promotion and diabetes prevention by advocating prevention campaigns.
Certified Diabetes Educator Skills and Qualifications
The ideal candidate for a certified diabetes educator is compassionate and confident and has a bachelor’s degree in nursing, social work, nutrition, or a related field. A certification as a diabetes educator is also required. Candidates typically must have at least two years of prior experience as a diabetes educator.
Other important qualities include: attention to detail, excellent communication skills, and a strong ability to follow best practices in patient care and education.
Diabetes is challenging but should not be a debilitating disease. With a certified diabetes educator, people with diabetes can be equipped with the right information and support to make healthier choices and take charge of their lives.
