Position Summary: 

The Nursing Professional Development Specialist is responsible for assessment, planning, implementing, and evaluating clinical education processes in defined specialty areas. Adult learning theories are utilized when formulating and implementing educational programs/activities for staff. The Nursing Professional Development Specialist acts as a consultant and change agent in the development of standards of care for clinical practice; utilizes and applies change theory in matters related to clinical practice; applies interpersonal skills and fosters communication when interacting with staff, patients, and other members of the healthcare organization.  Nursing Professional Development Specialist is self‐motivated in identifying own learning needs, strengths and limitations; and seeks to improve, as needed.  Nursing Professional Development Specialist is not administratively responsible for the supervision of other people but works collaboratively with Nurse Managers to assure that standards of clinical practice are met.

Education, License & Cert: 

The Nursing Professional Development Specialist must have a MSN and current licensure by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as a Registered Professional Nurse. The Nursing Professional Development Specialist must have a master's degree in nursing from an accredited program or be currently enrolled in a program leading to an MSN within 1 year of employment, and be certified in an area of specialty or Nursing Professional Development, preferred, as soon as eligible.

Experience: 

A minimum of three years clinical experience and demonstrated abilities in teaching, leadership skills, and clinical nursing practice.

Essential Functions: 

A. Orientation/Onboarding

1. Collaboratively develops, coordinates and evaluates the system orientation program for nurses, nursing support staff and nurse leaders in conjunction with other Nursing Professional Development Specialist.

2. Participates in the assessment, maintenance and development of staff competencies on initial employee hire.

3. Supports the Newly Licensed Registered Nurse Residency program (Transition to Practice) including preparation of preceptors, goal‐setting, and on‐going evaluation.

B. Competency Management

1. Participates in the assessment, maintenance and development of ongoing staff competencies 

2. Conducts or coordinates in‐services for new products and equipment

C. Education

1. Collaborates with nursing staff, Unit Based Educators and Nurse Managers to identify educational criteria to promote high quality nursing care.

2. Supports the Resuscitation Quality Improvement (RQI) training.

3. Coordinates educational conferences presented by the nursing departments.

4. Assists in appropriate multidisciplinary education within the system by being a planner of and/or participant in professional programs.

5. Represents Nursing Professional Development at the organizational and system level on committees/teams requiring education of nursing staff.  Collaborates with other educators across the system to develop appropriate education.

6. Organizes, conducts, and evaluates in‐service and continuing education programs for the nursing department.

7. Maintains records of educational programs and activities of the nursing department.

D.  Professional Role Development

1. Implements and supports the Nursing Department philosophy and objectives.  

2. Encourages development of leadership skills in members of the nursing staff.

3. Provides clinical expertise for administrative decision making.

4. Utilizes principles of change theory to effect smooth processes of change.

5. Participates in the interview process of applicants for the Nurse Residency and Nurse Extern programs, as well as nursing positions involving leadership or expanded role function when appropriate and/or requested.

6. Serves as a role model for professional communication skills during interactions with other health team members.

E.  Research/Evidence Based Practice/Quality Improvement

1. Collaborates with peers in the identification and the conduction of research to further knowledge of clinical practice or staff development.

2. Keeps informed of current nursing practice advancements and research findings and provides for dissemination of research developments.

3. Advances nursing practice through evidence‐based practice.

4. Advances professional nursing through publication, organizations, and other activities.

5. Supports performance improvement activities by developing appropriate education related to the topic.

6. Assists in the analysis of “Confidential Quality Reports” data and information and provides risk management and problem oriented educational opportunities as necessary and as requested.

F.  Collaborative Partnerships

1. Collaborates with Affiliating Agencies to coordinate learning experiences for Student Nurse learners.

2. Coordinates/participates in interprofessional learning activities that includes nursing staff.

Other Duties: 

1. It is understood that this description is not intended to be all‐inclusive, and that other duties may be assigned as necessary in the performance of this position.

2. Encouraged to participate in community activities.

3. Is authorized to access medications and storage areas in the performance of essential job functions and duties.