Registered Nurse - Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES)
Job Summary
We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Registered Nurse with Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) certification to join our clinical team in Rockford, Illinois. This role focuses on providing comprehensive, culturally sensitive, and holistic nursing care to patients and families managing diabetes mellitus.
The Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist will collaborate closely with a multidisciplinary diabetes management team to develop and implement individualized patient education plans. You will serve as a vital patient advocate, addressing clinical, psychosocial, and financial aspects of diabetes care, while supporting the overall nursing mission and strategic goals.
Key Responsibilities
- Utilize the nursing process and collaborate with interdisciplinary team members in caring for patients.
- Administer prescribed medications and treatments in accordance with approved nursing techniques, policies, procedures, and standards of care.
- Document patient care accurately according to established standards.
- Develop, initiate, and execute individualized patient plans of care, as prescribed by a physician and/or clinic policy, including comprehensive patient and family instruction.
- Participate in department or unit performance improvement activities, which may include shared governance initiatives.
- Provide clinical expertise and guidance to other units/departments in support of the patient's longitudinal plan of care.
- Apply critical thinking skills to ensure patient safety and enhance the patient experience, escalating concerns appropriately through the chain of command.
- Participate in professional nursing continuum processes.
- Act as a resource to staff regarding patient education program/materials development and addressing patient education issues or problems.
- Advocate for patients, addressing clinical, psychosocial, and financial issues related to their care.
- Float to various units based on identified needs and clinical competency.
Required Qualifications
- Graduate of an accredited nursing program.
- Education verification is required.
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
Skills & Competencies
- Clinical Skills: Proficient in utilizing the nursing process, medication and treatment administration, patient plan of care development, diabetes education, and patient advocacy.
- Soft Skills: Demonstrates compassion, cultural sensitivity, holistic care approach, strong collaboration, effective communication, critical thinking, and resourcefulness.
- Equipment: Not specified.
Shift Details
- Shift Type: AM
- Shift Duration: 8 hours per day
- Days per Week: 5 days
- Contract Length: 13 weeks
- Start Date: May 6, 2026
- Additional: May include variable shifts, weekends, holidays, and/or on-call hours.
Licensing Requirements
- Current Registered Nurse (RN) license in the state of Illinois (IL).
- Current Registered Nurse (RN) license in the state of Wisconsin (WI).
- Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) certification is required.
- Approved CPR certification required within 90 days of hire.