Accomplished RN Certified Diabetes Care & Education Specialist with a proven track record at OptumCare, enhancing patient outcomes through expert diabetes management and compassionate care. Skilled in clinical judgment and motivational interviewing, significantly improved health behaviors and satisfaction. Excelled in interdisciplinary collaboration, fostering strong relationships and advancing patient education on disease management.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
RN Diabetes Care & Education Specialist
OptumCare
09.2009 - 08.2024
Enhanced patient satisfaction through effective communication, empathy, and timely response to their needs.
Collaborated with endocrinologists & primary care physicians in clinic setting for improvement of individuals' diabetes self-management behaviors & outcomes.
Provided emotional support to patients during challenging times, fostering a sense of trust and rapport that contributed to better overall wellbeing.
Conducted individualized AADE7 health behaviors assessments & documented.
Assisted persons with diabetes to formulate their own SMART goals to improve their outcomes.
Assessed & addressed Diabetes Distress using validated tools & assisted in developing coping skills improve health behaviors..
evaluated diabetes technology reports for glucose patterns, and made med treatment adjustments recommendations to patients and doctors.
Educated patients on disease management and self-care techniques, promoting lifestyle changes for improved health.
Delivered high level of quality care to diverse populations by adjusting treatment goals to fit social determinants of health Issues.
RN Certified Diabetes Care & Education Specialist
Saddleback Homehealth Care
05.1999 - 04.2009
evaluated & instructed patients and or care givers on administering medications accurately and safely, reducing medication errors and adverse reactions.
Advocated for patients returning home from hospital to resume their usual diabetes meds as quickly as possible vs instructing on new insulin injection techniques & doses.
Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams for comprehensive patient care plans, resulting in better blood sugar management as well as overall health outcomes.
Educated & advised patients and caregivers of proper wound management, discharge plan objectives, safe medication use, and disease management with pedicular focus on Diabetes.
Mentored & trained new nurses in proper techniques, care standards, operational procedures, and safety protocols.
Provided direct patient care, stabilized patients, and determined next course of action.
Devised individualized care plans tailored to each patient''s unique situation, optimizing clinical outcomes.
Utilized advanced clinical skills such as wound care management and adjusted insulin therapy with MD, leading to faster recovery times for patients treated under my supervision.
Offered exceptional care and support to individuals recovering from acute incidents and dealing with chronic conditions.
Participated in evidence-based practice project implementation, nursing competency development and nursing simulation activities.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Nursing Practice
Oral Roberts University
Tulsa, OK
High School Diploma -
Mission Viejo High School
Mission Viejo, CA
Skills
Diabetes management
Clinical judgment expertise
Discharge Planning
motivational interviewing
Continuous glucose monitoring
Insulin pumps use & reports
diabetes distress & counseling
Compassion and Empathy
High level of autonomy
Chronic Disease Management
Lab result interpretation
Home care
Palliative care awareness
Relationship Building
Affiliations
Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists (ADCES)
Certification
California RN License - over 20yr
Nationally Certified Diabetes Care & Education Specialist for over 20yr.
Annual training in American. Diabetes Association's Standards Of Care
Specialize training in Motivational Interviewing skills
specialized training in Diabetes Distress identification and coaching coping skills.
RN, Patient Education Specialist/ Diabetes at Coal Country Community Health CenterRN, Patient Education Specialist/ Diabetes at Coal Country Community Health Center