Job DetailsNursing Professional Development Specialist Emergency Department
Newark, DE
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 annually
- Influence practice across multiple Emergency Department settings
- Partner with frontline staff, nursing leadership, physicians, and interdisciplinary teams
- Drive quality improvement, evidence-based practice, and professional development initiatives
- Help create the next generation of emergency nursing professionals
- Be part of an organization recognized for nursing excellence, innovation, and professional growth
Position Overview
The 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 Responsibilities
Lead Emergency Nurse Residency Programs
- Provide direction, oversight, and facilitation of Emergency Department nurse residency programs
- Support and mentor new graduate nurses through transition-to-practice experiences
- Coordinate and evaluate educational programming for three residency cohorts each year
Advance Clinical Excellence
- Design, implement, and evaluate competency-based educational programs
- Develop individualized orientation plans that support successful onboarding and long-term retention
- Identify learning needs through performance data, quality metrics, and practice gap analyses
- Facilitate ongoing professional development opportunities for staff
Drive Evidence-Based Practice & Quality Improvement
- Promote clinical inquiry and research utilization
- Mentor nurses in quality improvement initiatives aligned with organizational priorities
- Translate evidence into practice to improve patient and nursing outcomes
- Measure educational effectiveness and continuously improve learning strategies
Collaborate & Influence
- Partner with nursing leaders, physicians, educators, and interdisciplinary teams
- Support Professional Governance and shared decision-making councils
- Serve as a consultant and resource for practice change, role development, and succession planning
- Champion organizational initiatives and standards including Magnet principles, regulatory compliance, and patient safety
Qualifications
Required Education
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) required
- Master's degree in Nursing or related field required, OR current enrollment in an MSN/MS program with completion within three years
Required Experience
- Hospital-based clinical and educational experience
- Demonstrated involvement in:
- Performance improvement
- Regulatory compliance
- Educational program development and delivery
- Interprofessional collaboration
Required Certification
One of the following specialty certifications is required:
- CEN (Certified Emergency Nurse)
- TCRN (Trauma Certified Registered Nurse)
- SANE (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner)
- CCRN (Critical Care Registered Nurse)
- CPEN (Certified Pediatric Emergency Nurse)
Ideal Candidate
We're looking for a nursing professional who is:
- Passionate about developing others and building strong clinical teams
- Experienced in emergency, trauma, critical care, or pediatric emergency practice
- Skilled in adult learning principles and curriculum design
- Comfortable leading change and influencing practice improvements
- Experienced in evidence-based practice and quality initiatives
- A strong communicator who builds relationships across all levels of the organization
- Committed to fostering professional growth and nursing excellence
Work Location & Travel
- Primary location: Newark, Delaware
- Collaboration and support across Emergency Department locations, including Wilmington
- Occasional travel to Wilmington and Middletown as business needs require
- Potential periodic travel to community-based practice settings throughout Delaware
Annual Compensation Range $94,577.60 - $151,361.60
This 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.
Post End Date
Oct 1, 2026
