Position Summary

The Patient Educator is responsible for planning, developing, implementing, and evaluating patient education programs that promote health, wellness, disease prevention, and treatment compliance. Working collaboratively with physicians, nurses, behavioral health providers, and interdisciplinary teams, the Patient Educator ensures patients receive accurate, understandable health information that supports informed decision-making and improved health outcomes. This position also assists with staff education initiatives and promotes compliance with organizational policies and regulatory standards.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Assess patients' educational needs and develop individualized education plans based on diagnoses, treatment plans, health literacy, and learning preferences.
• Provide education regarding chronic disease management, medications, nutrition, preventive health, infectious disease prevention, and healthy lifestyle choices.
• Explain medical conditions, diagnostic procedures, treatment options, and discharge instructions using language appropriate to the patient's level of understanding.
• Develop and maintain patient education materials that are evidence-based, culturally appropriate, and compliant with organizational standards.
• Collaborate with physicians, nurses, behavioral health professionals, pharmacists, and other healthcare providers to reinforce patient education and continuity of care.
• Document all patient education activities accurately and timely within the electronic medical record.
• Evaluate patient understanding through teach-back methods and other educational assessment techniques.
• Assist with discharge planning by ensuring patients understand medications, follow-up appointments, referrals, and self-care instructions.
• Participate in quality improvement initiatives focused on patient education and healthcare outcomes.
• Assist in developing health promotion programs and wellness initiatives.
• Provide education related to infection prevention, medication adherence, chronic disease management, and preventive care.
• Support orientation and educational programs for clinical staff as assigned.
• Maintain current knowledge of evidence-based practices, healthcare regulations, and patient education standards.
• Maintain confidentiality and comply with HIPAA, correctional healthcare regulations, and organizational policies.
• Participate in interdisciplinary meetings and assist with special projects as assigned.
• Perform other duties as assigned.