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Nursing Professional Development Jobs in Virginia

RN Unit Manager

Newport News, VA · On-site

$85K - $117K/yr

Are you a compassionate nursing professional ready to take the next step in your career? Do you ... development, and resident-centered care are at the heart of everything we do. Ready to lead with ...

RN Unit Manager

Newport News, VA · On-site

$86 - $118/hr

Are you a compassionate nursing professional ready to take the next step in your career? Do you ... development, and resident-centered care are at the heart of everything we do.Ready to lead with ...

Showing results 21-40

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.

Clinical Nurse Leader - Primary Care and Ambulatory Behavioral Health

Virginia Department of Human Resource Management

Charlottesville, VA • On-site

$100K - $155K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


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5.2

Company rating: 5.2 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

825th of 848 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Clinical Nurse Leader - Primary Care And Ambulatory Behavioral Health

Nurses at UVA Health conduct evidence-based practice within a structure that allows point-of-care clinicians to drive questions and solutions, with support from the larger structure of science, quality improvement and evidence-based practice. As a member of the Unit-Based Leadership (UBL) team, the clinical nurse leader (CNL) is responsible for supporting nursing professional practice through professional development, evidence-based practice, and unit-based quality improvement for one or more microsystem. The CNL trains, coaches and supports nurses and members of the interdisciplinary team to elevate professional practice in a manner consistent with organizational (UVA Health) standards, workflows, processes and strategic outcomes. Practice is aligned with AACN CNL competencies, with the following focus areas:

  • Professional Development: The CNL continually develops, implements, and evaluates clinical processes and programs that engage nurses in lifelong learning to maintain competencies and learn new skills.
  • Evidence-Based Practice (EBP): The CNL provides ongoing assessment, evaluation and prioritization of unit-based triggers that would benefit from an evidence-based approach to problem solving and practice change. They use the UVA Health EBP process to identify, evaluate and implement evidence-based solutions in collaboration with the UBL, unit nurses, and other stakeholders.
  • Unit-based Quality Improvement (QI): The CNL works collaboratively with the UBL to proactively and reactively address quality and safety concerns on the unit.

Professional Development for Microsystem-Based Nursing and Nursing Support Staff:

  • Continually monitors new hires to evaluate progress toward competency goals, sharing this information with UBLs, collaborating with UBL on progress
  • Coaches and mentors nurses in ongoing clinical learning, continuing education, and national certifications.
  • Contributes to development of competencies with Central Nursing Professional Development
  • Teaches in general orientation in area of practice expertise, as appropriate to UVA Health needs

EBP at Microsystem and Organizational Levels:

  • Maintains knowledge of high priority microsystem strategic outcomes, desired benchmarks, practice patterns, and the interdisciplinary team
  • Coaches and mentors microsystem and organizational shared governance team members in all phases of the EBP process
  • Directs Clin 1s to NRP projects that reflect unit strategic goals
  • Mentors Clin 1s in EBP projects
  • Leads or coaches others in leading a regular nursing research journal club
  • Ensures that clinical improvements are correctly categorized (typically as EBP, QI, or Research), and that processes for each are followed in accordance with standards and policies of UVA Health

QI:

  • Knowledgeable of quality improvement methods
  • Provides direction to UBL regarding delineation of quality improvement, performance improvement, evidence-based practice and research.
  • Assists UBL with identification of root causes and implementation of evidence-based and education-related solutions
  • Assists performance improvement efforts in collaboration with performance improvement coaches and UBL when evidence-based practices and resources are appropriate

General:

  • In collaboration with UBL, responsible for delivery of high quality, safe patient care
  • Regular participant in UVA Nursing Professional Governance at the microsystem and organizational level
  • Seeks regular feedback from nurses, UBL and other clinical collaborators
  • Other Duties as assigned

Minimum Requirements Education: Master's or doctoral degree in Nursing Experience: 2 years of experience as a registered nurse working in a relevant practice area. Licensure: VA nursing license, CNL certification. Physical Demands Job requires standing for prolonged periods, frequently traveling/bending/stooping. Proficient communicative, auditory and visual skills; Attention to detail and ability to write legibly; Ability to lift/push/pull 20 - 50lbs. May be exposed to chemicals, blood/body fluids and infectious disease. The pay range for this role is $100,000.00 - $155,043.20 annually. Individual compensation will be determined by the selected candidate's qualifications, previous work experience, and/or education. Benefits

  • Comprehensive Benefits Package: Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
  • Paid Time Off, Long-term and Short-term Disability, Retirement Savings
  • Health Saving Plans, and Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Certification and education support
  • Generous Paid Time Off

UVA Health is a world-class Magnet Recognized academic medical center and health system with a level 1 trauma center. 2023-2024 U.S. News & World Report "Best Hospitals" guide rates UVA Health University Medical Center as "High Performing" in 5 adult specialties and 14 conditions/procedures. We are one of 70 National Cancer Institute designated cancer centers. UVA Health Children's is named by 2023-2024 U.S. News & World Report as the best children's hospital in Virginia with 9 specialties ranked among the best in the nation. Our footprint also encompasses 3 community hospitals and an integrated network of primary and specialty care clinics throughout Charlottesville, Culpeper, Northern Virginia, and beyond. The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVA's commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.

Each agency within the Commonwealth of Virginia is dedicated to recruiting, supporting, and maintaining a competent and diverse work force. Equal Opportunity Employer


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