Job Title: Advanced Diabetes Specialist
Main Function and Responsibilities
This role focuses on enhancing nurses' skills in diabetes management.
* Deliver expert care to patients with Type 1 & 2 Diabetes in the diabetic day centre.
* Provide education and support to staff involved in the care of patients with diabetes across all hospital directorates.
* Play a key role in the hospital's link nurse programme.
Key Responsibilities:
Clinical Focus
Meet the psychological, emotional and informational needs of patients at the time of diagnosis and throughout treatment.
* Support patients in the Diabetes Day Centre, hospital and outpatient department.
* Contribute to planning and carrying out care in the Diabetes Day Centre for patients.
* Evaluate patients regarding their need for referral to specialist services.
Patient/Client Advocate
Ensure an efficient, effective and high quality service respecting the needs of each patient.
* Act as a resource/contact person for patients with diabetes attending other departments within the hospital or outside the hospital for treatment.
* Provide patients and family members/significant others with contact details for the Diabetes nurse specialist.
Education and Training
Provide ongoing support to nursing staff through regular group meetings and assist in the development and delivery of training programmes.
* Teach all grades of nursing staff and other disciplines as required.
* Maintain up-to-date knowledge of care standards by using relevant educational opportunities.
Audit and Research
Ensure practice is aligned with best practice reflected in research and development.
* Participate in regular audits of own clinical practice.
* Develop and maintain a quality assurance programme utilising up-to-date research findings.
Consultancy
Provide leadership in clinical practice and act as a resource and role model.
* Generate and contribute to clinical standards and guidelines.
* Establish partnerships and contribute to professional development through consultation, education, leadership and mentorship.