Patient & Family Education Specialist

JOB SUMMARY

The Patient & Family Education Specialist is responsible for the oversight and delivery of planning, implementing and evaluating patient, family and caregiver education at Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital (MWPH) throughout all phases of the inpatient admission, hospitalization and discharge process. With a primary goal of promoting health education and literacy, patient autonomy and caregiver empowerment, the Patient & Family Education Specialist fosters confidence building skills through knowledge transfer, competency validation and the application of evidence-based nursing practice. The Patient & Family Education Specialist demonstrates expertise in their role as an educator, facilitator/coordinator, consultant, change agent and leader while upholding and aligning with MWPH strategic initiatives, mission, vision and values.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF POSITION

Demonstrating the most up to date knowledge of advances in nursing practice, developmentally appropriate care, regulatory standards, the nurse practice act, and hospital policy and procedure the Patient & Family Education Specialist will:

· Responsible for the assessment of patient/family educational and learning needs upon admission. Develops a customized and individualized education plan that incorporates cultural, social, educational needs, learning styles and teachable methodology aspects of care.

· Foster positive and effective interdisciplinary relationships. Collaborate with all disciplines to develop, implement and deliver teaching practices and standards at the bedside in an effort to achieve optimal health goals and objectives.

· Attend rounds, interdisciplinary team meetings and family meetings. Reports on progress towards educational goals.

· Documents educational plan in the electronic medical record (EMR); oversees documentation of educational activities and progress towards goals in the EMR.

· Performs ongoing monitoring of progress in achieving educational goals and refines the education plan as needed in order to ensure competency.

· Provides leadership for the development of unit-based or organizational wide patient education materials that are creative and customer focused.

· Develops evidence-based teaching protocols, competency validation tools and supportive educational materials for patients, families and the interdisciplinary team.

· Facilitates educational programs using innovative approaches, technology support, and simulation-based demonstration. Uses strategies to foster self-management based on patient/family goals of care and preferences.

· Acts as an educational resource to patients, families and staff. Impacts the patient/family experience.

· Educates and guides MWPH staff on how to conduct patient/family education utilizing appropriate tools and adhering to established teaching protocols and standards.

· In conjunction with other disciplines, validates patient/family competency prior to discharge.

· Collaborates with Case Management, Nursing, Medicine, Social Work and durable medical equipment companies to ensure a smooth transition from the hospital setting to home.

· Serves as a role model to nursing staff; leads by example to promote professional practice at the bedside.

· Engages with Nursing Leadership for ongoing team development, performance improvement and patient/family experience.

· Endorses the growth of the patient and family education program in alignment with organizational and executive leadership vision and goals

· Actively participates in nursing and hospital wide committees.

· Contributes to applicable policy development endorsing patient, family and caregiver education.