Advanced RN - Nursing Professional Development Specialist

Advanced RN - Nursing Professional Development Specialist

Ghent, MN $72,019 - $93,099 a year

Job Type: Full Time

Job Summary: The Nursing Professional Development (NPD) Specialist plays a vital role in supporting clinical learners and healthcare teams by advocating for and managing professional development programs and curricula. This role fosters professional growth and competence across various clinical settings through strategic planning based on needs assessments, regulatory requirements, quality data, and leadership feedback. The NPD Specialist embraces seven key roles: learning facilitator, change agent, mentor, leader, champion for inquiry, advocate for NPD specialty, and partner for practice transitions, all aimed at ensuring quality patient care and compassionate, evidence-based nursing practice.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Onboarding/Orientation: Designs, coordinates, facilitates, and evaluates orientation and onboarding programs for nursing and healthcare personnel.
• Competency Management: Assesses and documents staff competencies, addressing any gaps to maintain team proficiency.
• Education: Plans, implements, and evaluates educational initiatives to close practice gaps, enhancing knowledge, skills, and professional development. Collaborates interprofessionally to support continuing education.
• Collaborative Partnerships: Acts as a liaison and educator for nurses and other learners, fostering partnerships within and outside the organization.
• Inquiry: Engages in research, evidence-based practice, and quality improvement projects to enhance healthcare delivery and patient outcomes.
• Role Development: Applies strategies for continuous professional growth using models such as novice to expert, guided by the Scope and Standards of NPD Practice.

Scope and Standards of Practice:

• Assessment – Collects relevant data on individual, unit, and system performance.
• Diagnosis – Analyzes data to identify practice gaps and underlying issues.
• Outcome Identification – Defines desired outcomes tailored to specific needs.
• Planning – Develops collaborative plans with strategies to achieve goals.
• Implementation – Coordinates and promotes wellness through educational strategies.
• Evaluation – Measures progress toward outcomes.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) required; Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) preferred or must be obtained within three years of hire.
• Previous experience in Nursing Professional Development preferred; otherwise, 3-5 years of nursing experience in acute care or healthcare settings.
• Current nursing licensure required.
• Certification in Nursing Professional Development preferred or must be obtained within two years.
• Instructor status for programs such as ACLS, BLS, PALS, NRP, and CPI is required or must be obtained.

Work Shift: First shift, full-time, approximately 36 hours per week. This position is located in a regional healthcare setting within the Midwest United States, offering a supportive environment for professional growth and patient-centered care.