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Patient Education Specialist - Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute Full-time Days

Northwestern Medicine · Chicago, IL · Full time · Health Care Provider

Posted Sep 17, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

How do you run an education session for physicians and nurses rather than patients?

What they are checking: The posting names conducting educational programs for physician, nurse and patient groups.

Full time days in Chicago. How does that fit your life?

What they are checking: The posting states the schedule and the site.

What would you do

How do you make material accessible to someone who does not read English?

What they are checking: The posting names accessibility, and a Chicago cardiovascular practice sees every language.

How do you identify what education staff themselves need?

What they are checking: The posting names assessing and communicating staff development needs to the program manager.

How do you work with clinicians who see education as an afterthought?

What they are checking: The posting names communicating with all clinicians involved in patient education.

About the work

Tell me about developing patient education materials or programmes.

What they are checking: The posting names coordinating development, implementation and maintenance of patient education.

How do you write for a patient who reads at a basic level and is frightened?

What they are checking: The whole craft of patient education, and most material fails this test.

How do you know whether education material is actually working?

What they are checking: The posting names monitoring quality and accessibility of patient education materials.

What would you teach a cardiac patient before they go home?

What they are checking: The posting sits within the Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute, and discharge teaching prevents readmission.

How do you review a vendor's material and decide whether to use it?

What they are checking: The posting names coordinating review of vendor materials and assuring compliance with standards.

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The full job description

As published by Northwestern Medicine.

The Patient Education Specialist reflects the mission, vision, and values of Northwestern Memorial, adheres to the organization’s Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines, and all other regulatory and accreditation standards. Under the supervision of the Patient Education Program Manager, this healthcare professional coordinates the development, implementation and maintenance of resources and programs that support patient education across the continuum of care, which enhances the best patient experience and outcomes to establish NMC as a trusted source of health information. Collaborates with NMC clinicians and consumers to maximize the value of educational opportunities between outpatient, inpatient, physician offices, the Health Learning Center, its satellites, and the Alberto Culver Center. Responsibilities: • Effectively communicates with all clinicians and patients involved in patient education and the Health Learning Center. • Coordinates the review of vendor materials and classes and assures compliance with standards. • Assesses and communicates patient education staff development needs to the Patient Education Program Manager. • Conducts educational programs for appropriate physician, nurse and patient groups in pertinent clinical area. • Monitors quality and accessibility of patient education materials throughout NMC. • Assists in the efficient and timely review and/or development of NMC educational materials (video, print, including the Intranet and Internet) and assures compliance with standards. Clinical • Provides patient education consultation using in-depth clinical knowledge, skills and expertise across the continuum of care • Provides quality, comprehensive and coordinated patient education resources and services. • Guides staff in methodologies to evaluate indicators of quality patient education Professional: • Integrates research-based knowledge and clinical expertise in decision making • Develops and gives presentations on topics related to patient education • Writes papers related to patient education and presents for publication • Exemplifies a professional image in appearance, manner, and presentation • Advocate for patients, families, coworkers, the community, and nursing profession Education • Participates in programs to meet continuing education needs of staff. • Serves as a resource to staff in the development of appropriate learning materials • Provides formal education to both internal and external groups pertinent to area of specialty. • Provides formal orientation and education of staff pertinent to area of specialty. Quality • Identifies patient education needs at all patient access points • Facilitates compliance with regulatory patient education guidelines Research • Utilizes current research findings to support and improve patient education resources, activities, and programs. • In conducting patient education classes, this individual will adapt teaching methods to accommodate the age specific learning needs of the target audience. • Performs other duties as assigned Required • State of Illinois, Professional Licensure (based on specialty). • Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation recognition (healthcare provider level). • Master’s degree in nursing or healthcare related field, with a focus on adult/clinical education. • Five years professional clinical experience. • This self-directed individual must have excellent written and verbal communication skills and be proficient in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint computer applications. Preferred • Demonstrated success in the development, delivery and evaluation of education materials and strategies. Northwestern Medicine is an equal opportunity employer (disability, VETS) and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status. Background Check Northwestern Medicine conducts a background check that includes criminal history on newly hired team members and, at times, internal transfers. If you are offered a position with us, you will be required to complete an authorization and disclosure form that gives Northwestern Medicine permission to run the background check. Results are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and we follow all local, state, and federal laws, including the Illinois Health Care Worker Background Check Act. Artificial Intelligence Disclosure Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person. Benefits We offer a wide range of benefits that provide employees with tools and resources to improve their physical, emotional, and financial well-being while providing protection for unexpected life events. Please visit our Benefits section to learn more. Sign-on Bonus Eligibility (if sign-on bonus offered for position): Internal employees and rehires who left Northwestern Medicine within 1 year are not eligible for the sign on bonus. Exception: New graduate internal employees seeking their first licensed clinical position at NM may be eligible depending upon the job family.

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