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Nursing Professional Development Jobs in Virginia

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Nursing Professional Development information

What is a nursing professional development specialist?

A Nursing Professional Development (NPD) specialist is a registered nurse who focuses on improving the professional growth and development of nurses and other healthcare staff. They design, implement, and evaluate educational programs, orientation sessions, and ongoing training to ensure nurses remain competent and up-to-date with the latest evidence-based practices. NPD specialists also support nursing staff with career development, leadership training, and compliance with regulatory standards. Their work ultimately helps improve patient care and safety across healthcare organizations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a nursing professional development specialist?

To thrive as a Nursing Professional Development Specialist, you need expertise in nursing practice, adult education principles, and often a master’s degree in nursing or education plus relevant certifications such as NPD-BC. Familiarity with learning management systems (LMS), curriculum development tools, and continuing education accreditation standards is commonly required. Strong communication, leadership, and critical thinking skills help facilitate learning and drive staff engagement. These abilities are crucial for advancing nursing competence, improving patient outcomes, and fostering lifelong learning within healthcare organizations.

What are some common challenges nursing professional development specialists face when implementing new training initiatives?

Nursing Professional Development specialists often encounter challenges such as resistance to change among staff, time constraints that limit participation in training, and the need to tailor educational content to varying experience levels. Successfully implementing new initiatives requires strong communication, engagement strategies, and collaboration with nursing leadership to secure support and resources. Additionally, specialists must stay updated on best practices and regulations to ensure training remains relevant and effective.

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

AspectNursing Professional DevelopmentNurse Educator
CredentialsRN license, certifications in education or trainingRN license, advanced degrees (e.g., MSN, EdD)
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, healthcare organizationsAcademic settings, healthcare training programs
Employer & Industry UsageHealthcare facilities focusing on staff trainingUniversities, colleges, healthcare education institutions

In summary, Nursing Professional Development focuses on training and supporting current staff within healthcare settings, while Nurse Educators primarily teach and prepare future nurses in academic or training environments. Both roles require nursing credentials but differ in their focus and work settings.

What does a nursing professional development specialist do?

A nursing 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. They often work in healthcare settings, requiring strong teaching, communication, and clinical expertise.

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 healthcare practices and improve patient care. These activities help nurses maintain licensure and advance their careers.

What is professional development in nursing?

Professional development in nursing refers to ongoing education, training, and skill enhancement that nurses pursue to stay current with healthcare practices, improve patient care, and meet licensure or certification requirements. It often includes attending workshops, earning certifications, and participating in continuing education programs to advance their knowledge and competencies.

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Nursing Professional Development job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 27% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution.

Nursing Professional Development Generalist

Sentara Healthcare Inc

Virginia Beach, VA • On-site

$70 - $90/hr

Other

Re-posted 9 days ago


Sentara Health rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 417 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

498th of 898 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital is currently hiring a Nursing Professional Development Generalist to support the Nursing Education Department.

Hours/Shift

Full-time 40 hours per week. Monday to Friday dayshift.

Department/Position Overview

A Nurse Professional Development Generalist is responsible for supporting the ongoing education and professional development of nursing staff. This role involves assessing the educational needs of nursing teams, designing and implementing training programs, and ensuring that nurses maintain competencies aligned with the latest clinical standards and regulations. The Nurse Professional Development Generalist collaborates with other healthcare professionals to improve patient outcomes, promote evidence‑based practice, and enhance the overall quality of care.

The Nurse Professional Development Generalist assumes operational responsibility for the development and implementation of staff education within designated populations. Functions as a learning facilitator supporting orientation, practice transitions, and continuing education. Provides foundational education competency/skills validation to successfully move nurses from novice to beginner/competent practitioners. Accountable for defined aspects of staff development, continuing education and professional development of nursing staff to improve quality, safety, and patient outcomes. Supports system and hospital performance improvement and evidence‑based practice projects and initiatives.

Qualifications
  • Virginia or Compact Multi‑State RN License in good standing
  • Basic Life Support (BLS)
  • Bachelor’s Degree in nursing
  • 2 years clinical work experience
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