Job Summary: Provide compassionate nursing care focused on patient and family education within a supportive environment that champions best practices and exceptional customer service. This role emphasizes relationship-based care and upholds professional nursing standards guided by the ANA Code of Ethics, Nursing Process, and regulatory requirements.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Manage departmental fiscal health by collaborating on education budget needs and submitting annual proposals.
• Efficiently organize time and schedules to meet patient education demands, ensuring thorough documentation and timely completion of teaching assignments.
• Utilize resources to optimize patient education scheduling and maintain accurate billing and documentation.
• Keep educational materials current by reviewing literature and attending relevant training, promoting cost-effective practices.
• Develop, tailor, evaluate, and update individualized teaching plans based on evidence-based practice and standards of care to achieve optimal patient outcomes.
• Demonstrate critical thinking, multitasking abilities, and maintain comprehensive documentation, including critical events.
• Collaborate with healthcare teams to enhance patient care, streamline processes, and elevate patient experiences.
• Engage in continuous quality improvement initiatives such as meaningful use, value-based purchasing, audits, research, and education of colleagues.

Patient Satisfaction:

• Conduct thorough assessments and reassessments of patients and their support systems to gauge readiness and learning needs.
• Prioritize and adjust education plans based on patient input, clinical findings, and responses to treatment.
• Adapt teaching methods to patient age, stage, and reactions, supporting coping mechanisms with professionalism and timely responses.
• Represent the healthcare organization positively at community and sponsored events.

Patient Safety:

• Use teaching checklists to instruct patients and caregivers on safe practices and standard precautions.
• Incorporate safety measures such as fall prevention, safe mobilization, medication administration, and patient identification into daily routines and education.
• Comply with regulatory standards, safety protocols, hazardous waste guidelines, and OSHA requirements.
• Promote safe medication, dietary, and therapy practices, integrating multidisciplinary care in teaching and follow-up.
• Report and follow up on patient events, near misses, and participate in proactive safety processes adhering to Just Culture, HIPAA, and national safety standards.

Professional Growth:

• Pursue self-directed learning to enhance clinical competence and population-specific skills.
• Maintain active nursing licensure and seek certifications, advanced degrees, and leadership opportunities.
• Attend educational programs, stay current with practice standards, and collaborate on professional development plans.
• Share expertise with colleagues and contribute to goal setting and implementation within the clinical area.
• Recognize personal limitations, seek assistance, and provide constructive feedback to improve practice.

Customer Service Excellence:

• Adhere to established customer service standards, address ethical concerns, and foster positive interdepartmental relationships.
• Exhibit outstanding guest relations and comply with service excellence requirements.
• Communicate effectively with patients, families, healthcare providers, and community contacts.
• Serve as a public education resource, coordinate outpatient program information, and collaborate with marketing for community outreach.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an accredited institution required.
• Minimum of 2 years hospital nursing experience.
• Proficiency with computer systems.
• Area-specific education may be required and maintained upon hire.

Licensure and Certifications:

• Current active Registered Nurse license as per state board requirements.
• Certified Diabetes Educator credential preferred for diabetes-focused roles.

Work Shift: Day shift in a regional healthcare setting within the Midwest United States.