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Nurse Professional Development Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

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Nurse Professional Development information

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$15

$38

$71

How much do nurse professional development jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for nurse professional development in Virginia is $38.17, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $27.64 and $42.40 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a nurse professional development specialist?

A Nurse Professional Development (NPD) practitioner is a registered nurse who specializes in enhancing the professional growth and continuing education of nurses and other healthcare staff. They design, implement, and evaluate educational programs, promote evidence-based practice, and support competency development throughout a nurse's career. NPD practitioners also serve as mentors, leaders, and change agents within healthcare organizations, ensuring high-quality patient care by maintaining a well-educated nursing workforce.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a nurse professional development specialist?

To thrive as a Nurse Professional Development Specialist, you need a strong background in nursing practice, adult education principles, and usually a BSN or MSN along with relevant certifications such as NPD-BC. Experience with learning management systems (LMS), curriculum development, and continuing education accreditation tools is typically required. Excellent communication, leadership, and critical thinking skills help facilitate learning and support organizational goals. These competencies are essential for ensuring nurses are well-trained, up-to-date, and able to deliver safe, effective patient care.

How does a nurse professional development specialist collaborate with clinical staff to improve patient care?

NPD practitioners work closely with nurses, nurse leaders, and interdisciplinary teams to assess learning needs, design educational programs, and support evidence-based practice. They often facilitate workshops, mentor new staff, and coordinate orientation or competency assessments to ensure nurses are equipped with current clinical skills. Regular collaboration with frontline staff allows NPD practitioners to identify practice gaps and implement targeted training, ultimately enhancing both staff performance and patient outcomes.

What is the difference between Nurse Professional Development vs Nurse Educator?

AspectNurse Professional DevelopmentNurse Educator
CredentialsRN license, certifications in education or specialty areasRN license, advanced degrees (e.g., MSN, PhD), teaching credentials
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, healthcare organizations, training departmentsAcademic settings, nursing schools, universities, healthcare training programs
Employer & Industry UsageHealthcare organizations focusing on staff training and competencyEducational institutions and academic healthcare programs
Primary FocusEnhancing staff skills, ongoing education, complianceTeaching students, curriculum development, research

While Nurse Professional Development focuses on improving the skills and knowledge of practicing nurses within healthcare settings, Nurse Educators are primarily involved in teaching nursing students and developing educational programs. Both roles require nursing credentials, but Nurse Educators typically hold advanced degrees and work in academic environments, whereas Nurse Professionals in development roles are embedded within healthcare organizations to support staff growth.

What does a nurse professional development specialist do?

A nurse professional development specialist designs and implements educational programs to enhance nurses' skills and knowledge. They assess training needs, develop curricula, and facilitate continuing education to ensure compliance with healthcare standards and improve patient care. This role often requires certification and strong communication skills within healthcare environments.

What is an example of professional development in nursing?

An example of professional development in nursing is completing continuing education courses or obtaining certifications such as Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) to enhance clinical skills. Nurses may also participate in workshops, attend conferences, or pursue advanced degrees to stay current with best practices and improve patient care.

What is considered professional development for nurses?

Professional development for nurses includes ongoing education such as attending workshops, earning certifications, participating in training programs, and pursuing advanced degrees to enhance clinical skills and knowledge. It also involves staying current with healthcare practices, regulations, and technology to improve patient care and meet licensure requirements.

What are popular job titles related to Nurse Professional Development jobs in Virginia?

For Nurse Professional Development jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Nurse Professional Development jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Nurse Professional Development job openings:

Infographic showing various Nurse Professional Development job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 28% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 98% In-person, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $79,384 per year, or $38.2 per hour.

Nurse Professional Development Coordinator - Surgical Services

Virginia State University, VA โ€ข On-site

$85 - $120/hr

Other

Posted 11 days ago


Job description


  • Responsible for implementation and evaluation of the education plans and programs developed from the annual educational needs assessment

  • Focuses on establishing collaborative relationships with operational leaders and staff on educational and professional nursing practice initiatives

  • Supports the Nursing Excellence journey to achieve and maintain ANCC Magnet and Pathways to Excellence designation

  • Implement system nursing education and professional development programs

  • Support evidence based practice and nursing research efforts

  • Responsible for staff education and preceptor support and development

  • Understands principles for learning design and integrates learning technology


Requirements

  • 4 year/ Bachelors Degree Nursing Required

  • Graduate Degree (Masters) Preferred

  • Registered Nurse from an accredited program)

  • Professional development Minimum

  • 3 years clinical experience in related specialty with additional 2 years of demonstrated achievement of progressive responsibilities in leadership roles and/or professional development project work

  • Basic Life Support (BLS)

  • Strong written and verbal communication skills

  • Ability to work independently

  • Knowledge of Microsoft Office and clinical information systems

  • Demonstrated knowledge of the role of the Nursing Professional Development Practice Model, and education concepts and processes necessary for assessment, development, planning, implementation and evaluation of adult learning


Core Competencies

Demonstrates expertise in nursing education program implementation and evaluation, with a strong focus on collaborative relationships and professional development. Proficient in adult learning principles and the Nursing Professional Development Practice Model, supporting evidence-based practice and nursing research.


Highest-signal resume keywords

  • Bachelor's Degree In Nursing

  • Registered Nurse

  • Clinical Experience

  • Nursing Professional Development Practice Model

  • Basic Life Support (BLS)


ATS Optimization Keywords
Hard Skills

  • Nursing Education Program Implementation

  • Adult Learning Principles

  • Evidence-Based Practice

  • Nursing Research

  • Learning Technology Integration


Soft Skills

  • Strong Written Communication

  • Strong Verbal Communication

  • Ability To Work Independently


Certifications & Qualifications

  • Registered Nurse

  • Basic Life Support (BLS)


Industry Keywords

  • ANCC Magnet

  • Pathways To Excellence

  • Professional Development

  • Educational Needs Assessment

  • Collaborative Relationships


Tools & Technologies

  • Microsoft Office

  • Clinical Information Systems

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