The Nursing Professional Development (NPD) Specialist advances professional role competency and growth of learners across the healthcare system, ensuring alignment with strategic organizational initiatives. Activities may include education, competency, orientation and evidence-based practice initiatives focused on optimal patient care and population health. Using a systems-thinking approach, the NPD Specialist conducts learning needs assessments, analyzes trends and data to support practice change initiatives; and partners across disciplines to improve patient outcomes. Specific responsibilities and activities are determined by nursing leadership.

GENERAL ACCOUNTABILITIES AND ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

The NPD Specialist functions within the roles and responsibilities of the NPD Practice Model and Scope and Standards of Practice.

ROLES:

Learning facilitator - applies the educational design process and adult learning principles to bridge knowledge, skills and/or practice gaps, conducts learning needs assessments and evaluates outcomes.

Change agent – drives transformation by applying change management strategies to improve processes and achieve desired outcomes.

Mentor – supports the ongoing professional development of others across clinical, professional and educational settings.  

Leader – influences interprofessional practice, learning environments, and broader nursing and healthcare professions through strategic leadership.

Champion for inquiry – cultivates and encourages a spirit of inquiry by promoting evidence-based practice, quality improvement and disseminates knowledge to advance nursing excellence.

Partner for practice transitions – supports the role transition of nurses across diverse practice learning environments to ensure smooth integration and support, including support for prelicensure nursing programs and continuing education.

Advocate for NPD specialty – engages in professional development activities both within and beyond the organization. This may include participation in community advisory boards or speaking engagements focused on advancing professional nursing practice.  

Responsibilities:

Onboarding/Orientation – designs, coordinates, manages and evaluates onboarding and orientation programs to support the successful integration of nursing staff.

Competency management – develops, implements and oversees competency programs to ensure clinical proficiency and regulatory compliance.  

Education – leads the design, delivery and evaluation of nursing education initiatives that promote evidence-based practice and continuous learning.

Role development – identifies and applies strategies to support ongoing professional growth, role integration and skill acquisition. This may include preceptor development, leadership training and transition to practice programs.

Collaborative partnerships – acts as a liaison to interprofessional teams, coordinating and supporting system-wide education initiatives. This may include active participation in academic partnerships and community-based advisory councils focused on the professional development of nursing students and continuing education programs.

Inquiry – initiates, promotes and integrates quality improvement and evidence-based practice initiatives, including dissemination of findings to advance nursing excellence and optimize patient outcomes.

Skills:

Demonstrated knowledge of adult learning principles.

Effective teaching, communication and meeting facilitation skills.

Partner effectively with interprofessional teams to influence practice change.

Ability to work effectively in teams, and independently.

Experience using Microsoft Office Suite applications.

Education:

An academic degree in nursing is required (BSN or MSN/MN).

Master’s degree in nursing or healthcare-related field (e.g. Healthcare Management, Public Health) (preferred).

Experience:

Four years relevant clinical experience at a proficient level of practice required.

Previous precepting, teaching, education design, simulation or project management experience is preferred.

Current applicable state RN license required.

AHA BLS for Healthcare Providers, required.

Nursing Professional Development Board Certification (preferred).

Practice/Education specialty certification, as applicable (preferred).

To learn more about our employee benefits click here: www.legacyhealth.org/For-Health-Professionals/careers/benefiting-you