Nursing Professional Development Specialist (NPDS) - Emergency Department

Nursing Professional Development Specialist Emergency DepartmentNewark, DEAre you passionate about developing nurses, leading practice excellence, and shaping the future of emergency nursing? ChristianaCare is seeking an experienced and dynamic Nursing Professional Development Specialist (NPDS) to support our Emergency Department teams.The Nursing Professional Development Specialist (NPDS) provides leadership and oversight for the education, onboarding, professional development, and competency management of nursing staff and interprofessional team members within Christiana's Emergency Department. The NPDS serves as a key partner in fostering clinical excellence, supporting role transition, advancing evidence-based practice, and ensuring staff are prepared to provide safe, high-quality care. Through collaboration with nursing leadership, clinical teams, and organizational stakeholders, the NPDS promotes professional growth, workforce readiness, and exceptional patient outcomes.In this highly visible role, you will serve as a clinical educator, mentor, consultant, and change agent, helping emergency nurses thrive throughout their professional journey. From onboarding and competency development to residency program leadership and evidence-based practice initiatives, you'll play a critical role in advancing nursing excellence and supporting outstanding patient outcomes.At ChristianaCare, we believe exceptional patient care starts with exceptional caregivers. As a Nursing Professional Development Specialist, you will:Lead and support three Emergency Department Nurse Residency cohorts annuallyInfluence practice across multiple Emergency Department settingsPartner with frontline staff, nursing leadership, physicians, and interdisciplinary teamsDrive quality improvement, evidence-based practice, and professional development initiativesHelp create the next generation of emergency nursing professionalsBe part of an organization recognized for nursing excellence, innovation, and professional growthPosition OverviewThe selected candidate will primarily support the Newark Emergency Department and will also collaborate with colleagues to provide educational support across Emergency Department settings, including Wilmington. This role offers the opportunity to impact practice, foster professional growth, and influence patient care outcomes across one of the region's leading healthcare systems.Key ResponsibilitiesLead Emergency Nurse Residency ProgramsProvide direction, oversight, and facilitation of Emergency Department nurse residency programsSupport and mentor new graduate nurses through transition-to-practice experiencesCoordinate and evaluate educational programming for three residency cohorts each yearAdvance Clinical ExcellenceDesign, implement, and evaluate competency-based educational programsDevelop individualized orientation plans that support successful onboarding and long-term retentionIdentify learning needs through performance data, quality metrics, and practice gap analysesFacilitate ongoing professional development opportunities for staffDrive Evidence-Based Practice & Quality ImprovementPromote clinical inquiry and research utilizationMentor nurses in quality improvement initiatives aligned with organizational prioritiesTranslate evidence into practice to improve patient and nursing outcomesMeasure educational effectiveness and continuously improve learning strategiesCollaborate & InfluencePartner with nursing leaders, physicians, educators, and interdisciplinary teamsSupport Professional Governance and shared decision-making councilsServe as a consultant and resource for practice change, role development, and succession planningChampion organizational initiatives and standards including Magnet principles, regulatory compliance, and patient safetyQualificationsRequired EducationBachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) requiredMaster's degree in Nursing or related field required, OR current enrollment in an MSN/MS program with completion within three yearsRequired ExperienceHospital-based clinical and educational experienceDemonstrated involvement in:Performance improvementRegulatory complianceEducational program development and deliveryInterprofessional collaborationRequired CertificationCEN (Certified Emergency Nurse)TCRN (Trauma Certified Registered Nurse)SANE (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner)CCRN (Critical Care Registered Nurse)CPEN (Certified Pediatric Emergency Nurse)Ideal CandidateWe're looking for a nursing professional who is:Passionate about developing others and building strong clinical teamsExperienced in emergency, trauma, critical care, or pediatric emergency practiceSkilled in adult learning principles and curriculum designComfortable leading change and influencing practice improvementsExperienced in evidence-based practice and quality initiativesA strong communicator who builds relationships across all levels of the organizationCommitted to fostering professional growth and nursing excellenceWork Location & TravelPrimary location: Newark, DelawareCollaboration and support across Emergency Department locations, including WilmingtonOccasional travel to Wilmington and Middletown as business needs requirePotential periodic travel to community-based practice settings throughout DelawareAnnual Compensation Range $94,577.60 - $151,361.60This pay rate/range represents ChristianaCare's good faith and reasonable estimate of compensation at the time of posting. The actual salary within this range offered to a successful candidate will depend on individual factors including without limitation skills, relevant experience, and qualifications as they relate to specific job requirements.Christiana Care Health System is an equal opportunity employer, firmly committed to prohibiting discrimination, whose staff is reflective of its community, and considers qualified applicants for open positions without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity or expression, age, veteran status, disability, pregnancy, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.