Joint Educator

Description

Job Summary:

The Joint Educator is responsible for designing, implementing, and managing patient education programs for individuals undergoing joint replacement or other orthopedic procedures within an ambulatory surgery center (ASC). This role supports optimal surgical outcomes by preparing patients and their families for the pre-operative, intra-operative, and post-operative phases of care. The Joint Educator collaborates with surgeons, nurses, physical therapists, and other staff to ensure a seamless and informative patient experience.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and deliver comprehensive educational sessions for patients undergoing total joint arthroplasty and other orthopedic procedures.
• Educate patients and caregivers about pre-operative preparation, post-operative care, pain management, mobility strategies, and discharge planning.
• Provide one-on-one and group education in person, via phone, or virtual platforms.
• Coordinate with nursing, physical therapy, and surgical teams to ensure alignment of education with clinical pathways.
• Assess patient comprehension and readiness for surgery using standardized tools and documentation.
• Maintain and update educational materials in line with current best practices and evidence-based guidelines.
• Act as a point of contact for patients throughout their surgical journey, answering questions and addressing concerns.
• Participate in quality improvement initiatives, patient satisfaction programs, and data collection efforts.
• Track and report educational outcomes and patient feedback to leadership.

Requirements

Education and Experience:

• Registered Nurse (RN) or Physician Assistant (PA), or other licensed healthcare provider with orthopedic experience preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in nursing, education, or a related field required; Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in orthopedics, surgical nursing, or patient education, preferably in an outpatient or ambulatory setting.

Licensure/Certifications:

• Current state licensure appropriate to professional designation (e.g., RN, PT).
• BLS Certification (required).
• Orthopaedic Nursing Certification (ONC) or similar credential is a plus.

Skills and Competencies:

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with a strong focus on patient-centered care.
• Ability to present complex information in an understandable way to diverse populations.
• Strong organizational and time management abilities.
• Proficiency in electronic health records (EHR) and standard office software, HST Pathways preferred
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.

Work Environment:

• Ambulatory Surgery Center setting with frequent patient interaction.
• Some early evening hours may be required for patient education sessions.
• Occasional travel between sites or to outreach locations may be necessary.

Performance Indicators:

• Patient satisfaction and understanding scores.
• Surgical readiness rates and reduction in cancellations due to patient factors.
• Compliance with clinical pathway adherence.
• Contribution to reduced readmission and complication rates.