RN - Patient & Family Educator

J  o  b    D  e  s  c  r  i  p  t  i  o  n

JOB INFORMATION

Effective Date:

4/1/2022

Entity:

Wisconsin

Job Code:

800205

Job Title:

RN - Patient & Family Educator

FLSA Exemption Status:

Non-Exempt

Management Level:

Individual Contributor

JOB SUMMARY

The RN - Patient and Family Educator is responsible for assisting with the planning, implementation and evaluation of patient and family education programs at UW Health. The incumbent independently assesses patient and family learning needs and provides individualized education accordingly. The Patient and Family Education RN staffs the Learning Center and works collaboratively as an active member of the interprofessional team to provide therapeutic patient and family centered care. The incumbent establishes goals and strategies for meeting care coordination needs across settings with the patient, family, and/or other care providers and to optimize patient outcomes. The program of care is planned and implemented utilizing evidence-based practices including those related to health literacy, patient empowerment, and cost-effective approaches to patient care. This position reports to the Patient and Family Education Manager for overall program direction and evaluation.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

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Ensure development, implementation and evaluation of a comprehensive patient and family education program at UWHC.

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Identify learning needs and provide individualized education based on specific learning needs and preferences. Evaluate the effectiveness of the teaching intervention and adjust the teaching accordingly.

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Utilize an empowerment model to create partnerships with patients and family members. Employ strategies based on the patient/family goals and preferences to foster self-management.

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Incorporate knowledge of current clinical practices/technologies to maximize patient’s and family’s ability to be involved in care and care decisions.

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Use computer technology and other innovative methodologies to support patient and family learning efforts.

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Communicate teaching/learning activities (particularly difficult learning situations and high-risk needs) and patient/family response to multiple disciplines across settings. Utilize appropriate documentation tools to ensure effective communication.

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Provide support as needed to interdisciplinary colleagues who are providing and/or reinforcing patient/family education through regular interactions with staff on units, in clinics, and in other departments.

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Provide leadership for select Nursing Department goals.

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Chair or participate as a member of nursing on designated councils/committees related to the advancement of patient/family education and health literacy.

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Serve as a role-model/mentor to nursing staff in the delivery of comprehensive patient and family education programs and the development of related resources.

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Employ clinical practices that are evidence-based.

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Evaluate and implement current evidence related to patient and family education programs and health literacy.

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Contribute to nursing practice through publication and/or presentations.

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Promote inquiry by stimulating and encouraging staff members to ask questions and investigate practice phenomenon.

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Provide support for education through mentorship and guidance to nursing staff and undergraduate students as needed.

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Utilize appropriate educational theories/practices to promote professional and individual growth.

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Identify learning needs of individuals and groups for orientation, in-service and continuing education.

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Create materials to meet the learning needs of individuals and groups for orientation, in-service and continuing education.

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Maintain collaborative working relationships with UW School of Nursing and other collaborating institutions to provide student learning experiences related to patient and family education.

As needed, additional responsibilities reasonably within the scope of duties and physical requirements may be assigned.  ALL DUTIES AND REQUIREMENTS MUST BE PERFORMED CONSISTENT WITH THE UW HEALTH PERFORMANCE STANDARDS AND RESPECT FOR PEOPLE COMMITTMENTS.

X

Clinical

(Select all that apply)

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Bachelor's Degree

in Nursing

Preferred

3 years

recent relevant clinical experience

Required

Broad experience in medical/surgical and/or pediatric nursing

Required

Demonstrated leadership experience

Preferred

RN Licensure in the State of Wisconsin

Upon Hire

Required

BLS/CPR Certification

Upon Hire

Required

CDE

Preferred

LICENSE, CERTIFICATIONS, AND REGISTRATIONS MUST BE MAINTAINED PER UW HEALTH POLICY. 

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Knowledge of educational principles as they relate to patient and family education; demonstrated excellence in patient teaching.

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Knowledge of current clinical practices/technologies related to self-care and willingness to learn technologies.

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Excellent written and oral communication skills.

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Ability to work effectively with health care professionals across settings.

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Current computer skills and willingness to learn multiple computer applications including the Internet.

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Knowledge and skills in quality improvement methodologies.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORKING CONDITIONS

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Sedentary: Ability to lift up to 10 pounds maximum and occasionally lifting and/or carrying such articles as dockets, ledgers and small tools. Although a sedentary job is defined as one, which involves sitting, a certain amount of walking and standing is often necessary in carrying out job duties. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and other sedentary criteria are met.

Up to 10#

Negligible

Negligible

☒

Light: Ability to lift up to 20 pounds maximum with frequent lifting and/or carrying of objects weighing up to 10 pounds. Even though the weight lifted may only be negligible amount, a job is in this category when it requires walking or standing to a significant degree.

up to 20#

Up to 10# or requires significant walking or standing or requires pushing/pulling of arm/leg controls.

Negligible or constant push/pull of items of negligible weight

☐

Medium: Ability to lift up to 50 pounds maximum with frequent lifting and/or carrying objects weighing up to 25 pounds.

20-50#

10-25#

Negligible-10#

☐

Heavy: Ability to lift up to 100 pounds maximum with frequent lifting and/or carrying objects weighing up to 50 pounds.

50-100#

25-50#

10-20#

☐

Very Heavy: Ability to lift over 100 pounds with frequent lifting and/or carrying objects weighing over 50 pounds.

Over 100#

Over 50#

Over 20#

Other - list any other physical requirements or bona fide occupational qualifications not indicated above:

Over 50 lbs.

UW Health does not require, nor does it expect that its employees lift more than 50 lbs unassisted. Objects in excess of 50 lbs should be lifted or moved with mechanical means or through a team lift. Employees in patient care areas are expected to utilize mechanical lifts and adhere to the "Use of Mechanical Lifts (Liko)" policy in the Patient Services Policy and Procedure Manual.

Note: The purpose of this document is to describe the general nature and level of work performed by personnel so classified; it is not intended to serve as an inclusive list of all responsibilities associated with this position.

THE EMPLOYEE MUST BE ABLE TO COMPLETE ALL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS OF THE JOB WITH OR WITHOUT AN APPROVED ACCOMODATION. Note: The purpose of this document is to describe the general nature and level of work performed by personnel so classified; it is not intended to serve as an inclusive list of all responsibilities associated with this position.