Job Title:
Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) –
Diabetes Education Program Lead
Setting: Primary Care
Position Summary
The APRN – Diabetes Education Program Lead is responsible for the clinical oversight, development, and management of a certified diabetes education program within a primary care setting. This role integrates advanced clinical expertise, patient education, and program leadership to improve outcomes for patients with prediabetes and diabetes. The APRN collaborates with interdisciplinary teams to deliver evidence-based care, promote self-management, and ensure program compliance with recognized diabetes education standards.
Key Responsibilities
Clinical Care & Patient Management
- Provide comprehensive assessment, diagnosis, and management of patients with diabetes and related conditions
- Develop and implement individualized treatment plans, including medication management (e.g., insulin, oral agents, GLP-1s)
- Monitor and adjust therapies based on clinical data, including labs, CGM, and SMBG results
- Address comorbidities such as hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and obesity
Diabetes Education Program Oversight
- Lead and oversee the certified diabetes education program in accordance with national standards (e.g., ADCES, ADA)
- Ensure program accreditation/recognition requirements are met and maintained
- Develop, implement, and evaluate program curricula and patient education materials
- Monitor program quality metrics and outcomes; implement quality improvement initiatives
Patient Education & Engagement
- Provide individual and group diabetes self-management education and support (DSMES)
- Educate patients on nutrition, physical activity, medication adherence, glucose monitoring, and complication prevention
- Promote behavior change strategies and self-management skills
- Support culturally competent and health literacy–appropriate education
Interdisciplinary Collaboration
- Collaborate with physicians, nurses, dietitians, pharmacists, and other care team members
- Serve as a clinical resource for staff regarding diabetes management
- Coordinate care transitions and referrals (e.g., endocrinology, podiatry, ophthalmology)
Leadership & Program Development
- Supervise and mentor diabetes educators and related staff
- Participate in hiring, training, and performance evaluation
- Lead program planning, workflow optimization, and integration into primary care services
- Stay current with evolving diabetes care guidelines and technologies
Documentation & Compliance
- Maintain accurate and timely documentation in the electronic health record (EHR)
- Ensure compliance with regulatory, billing, and reimbursement requirements
- Participate in audits and reporting as required
Qualifications
Required
- Current licensure as an APRN (NP or CNS) in the practicing state
- Board certification in a relevant specialty (e.g., Family, Adult-Gerontology)
- Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) credential (or eligibility within a specified timeframe)
- Minimum of 2–3 years of clinical experience in diabetes management or primary care
- Prescriptive authority and DEA licensure (if applicable)
Preferred
- Experience leading or developing diabetes education programs
- Familiarity with CGM systems, insulin pumps, and digital health tools
- Experience with quality improvement and population health management
Skills & Competencies
- Advanced clinical decision-making and diagnostic skills
- Strong patient education and counseling abilities
- Leadership and program management expertise
- Excellent communication and interdisciplinary collaboration skills
- Data analysis and quality improvement capabilities
- Cultural competence and patient-centered approach
Work Environment
- Primary care clinic setting with potential for hybrid (in-person/telehealth) education delivery
- May include group visits, community outreach, and care coordination activities
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Relocation assistance
- Vision insurance
Experience:
- clinical experience in diabetes mang or primarycare : 2 years (Required)
License/Certification:
- APRN (NP or CNS) (Required)
- Board certification in a relevant specialty (Required)
- CDCES credential or eligibility within a specified timeframe (Required)
- Prescriptive authority and DEA licensure (Preferred)
Work Location: In person