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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 Washington?

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

What job categories do people searching Nursing Professional Development jobs in Washington look for?

The top searched job categories for Nursing Professional Development jobs in Washington are:

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

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

Nursing Professional Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Nursing Professional Development job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 16% Remote job distribution.

Director of Nursing Professional Development

Clinton, MD • On-site

MedStar Health
Health Care and Social Assistance • 10K+ employees

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 240 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

131st of 895 rated healthcare providers

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Recommended by students

Learn more about MedStar Healthexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

About the Job
General Summary of Position
The Director of Nursing Professional Development is accountable for ensuring the professional development of associates within the Department of Nursing/Patient Care Services. The Director of Nursing Professional Development provides leadership for the team of Nursing Professional Development Specialists/Nurse Educatorsas they function within the roles of educator change agent consultant evidence-based practitioner and leader. The Director of Nursing Professional Development oversees the assessment planning development implementation and evaluation of learning and development programs that enhance associates' performance promote professional development or otherwise support the mission vision and SPIRIT Values of MedStar Health and the Department of Nursing.In conjunction with executive leadership nursing practice and informatics develops and supports educational programs which foster the professional development of clinical personnel; guides and recommends development of best practices with Patient Care Service departments; and assists department leaders in the development of department initiatives in the areas of staff development education and compliance with external regulatory and accreditation standards.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
  • Assumes leadership for the planning development execution and evaluation of the MedStar Health nursing professional development and educational program. Assesses learning needs through formal and informal approaches to data collection to determine educational gaps and priorities to meet the learning needs of associates. Applies teaching techniques that promote critical thinking and evidence-based practice incorporating principles of adult learning theory.
  • Develops department goals objectives policies and procedures. Ensures adherence to MedStar Health and entity/business unit policies procedures standards/guidelines and those of regulatory and accreditation agencies; takes corrective action when deficiencies occur. Collaborates with nurse leaders and other department heads including nursing practice and informatics in addressing priorities and implementation of effective educational/training programs.
  • Plans the conduct of orientation programs for new personnel to facilitate a new associate's transition to the MedStar practice environment and meet competency assessment requirements in conformance with departmental objectives regulatory requirements and accreditation standards. Provides oversight to the unit- based orientation of associates new to the department of nursing and/or entity. Supports transition to practice for newly licensed nurses using the MedStar New to Practice Nurse Residency Program model.
  • Provides expertise for competency development assessment and management across the department of nursing. Sets the standard and plans and regularly conducts competency validation programs for nursing department associates. Provides documentation of participation and level of success during competency and educational programs.
  • Plans and implements continuing/ongoing education activities to expand current knowledge and where appropriate acquire and maintain certification using provider unit/interprofessional joint accreditation program and other resources. Conducts educational activities that inform teach and facilitate adoption of new procedures technologies equipment and patient care trends with continuing education credits where appropriate. Facilitate the offering of clinical nursing specialty certification review programs.
  • Develops evaluation plans and applies evidence-based evaluation models to determine the effectiveness of educational activities and learning programs. Involves learners and team members in the evaluation process. Disseminates the evaluation results of the learning activities and revises learning programs based on objective evaluation data.
  • Develops and recommends department operating budget and manages resources according to approved budget.
  • Selects trains orients supervises and assigns department staff. Develops standards of performance and evaluates performance of subordinates by regularly conducting performance management reviews. Initiates or recommends counseling and/or corrective action for personnel. Maintains ongoing communication with subordinates to review programs provide feedback discuss new developments and exchange information.
  • Creates a professional practice atmosphere and an environment of coaching development and cooperation by serving on committees and as a liaison between the department of nursing external agencies/associations and professional and technical nursing educational institutions and faculty. Establishes collaborative relationships between practice and academia with targeted regional and national nursing programs. Supports the clinical student placements at the respective entity in collaboration with other nurse leaders.
  • Supports Medstar Health System Nursing goal of achieving eighty percent (80%) baccalaureate-prepared nursing workforce. Serves as an advisor to fellow nurse leaders on academic progression of nurses. Collaborates with other nurse leaders on securing grant funds that support the ongoing professional development and academic progression of the MedStar Health nurses. Supports collaborative governance structure and promotes Magnet Recognition and/or Pathway to Excellence standards through daily practice and in support of the MedStar Health entity goals.
  • Maintains knowledge of current trends and developments in the fields of nursing clinical instruction and nursing education through a variety of professional activities including but not limited to reading the appropriate literature and attending related seminars and conferences. Demonstrates accountability for own professional development and advancement.
  • Assumes other duties as assigned.
    • Minimal Qualifications
    Education
    • Master's degree in Nursing or Nursing Education from a nationally accredited nursing program required
    Experience
    • 3-4 years Progressively more responsible roles in nursing. required
    • Experience in nursing education or professional development preferred
    • Leadership or supervisory experience preferred
    Licenses and Certifications
    • RN - Registered Nurse - State Licensure and/or Compact State Licensure in the State of Maryland or District of Columbia required
    • NPD - Nursing Professional Development certification from a nationally recognized nursing organization within 2 years required or
    • Cert Nurse Educator - CNE from a nationally recognized nursing organization within 2 years required
    • CPR - Cardiac Pulmonary Resuscitation (includes BLS and NRP) for healthcare providers from either the American Heart Association (AHA) or American Red Cross within 90 Days required
    • Additional unit/specialty certifications may vary by department or business unit.
    Knowledge Skills and Abilities
    • Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to exercise independent judgment.
    • Business acumen and leadership skills.
    • Strong verbal and written communication skills with ability to effectively interact with all levels of management internal departments and external agencies.
    • Working knowledge of various computer software applications.
    • The work requires identifying and resolving complex problems such as developing innovative solutions based on extensive cross-functional knowledge of the various MedStar Health entities.
    • Work assignments are generally received in the form of broad goals for area(s) of responsibility and require considerable judgment regarding the interpretation of policies development of procedures and selection of appropriate courses of action.

    This position has a hiring range of
    USD $120,702.00 - USD $238,222.00 /Yr.
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    About Medstar Health

    Sourced by ZipRecruiter

    MedStar Health is dedicated to providing the highest quality care for people in Maryland and the Washington, D.C., region, while advancing the practice of medicine through education, innovation, and research. Our team of 32,000 includes physicians, nurses, residents, fellows, and many other clinical and non-clinical associates working in a variety of settings across our health system, including 10 hospitals and more than 300 community-based locations, the largest home health provider in the region, and highly respected institutes dedicated to research and innovation. As the medical education and clinical partner of Georgetown University for more than 20 years, MedStar Health is dedicated not only to teaching the next generation of doctors, but also to the continuing education, professional development, and personal fulfillment of our whole team. Together, we use the best of our minds and the best of our hearts to serve our patients, those who care for them, and our communities. It's how we treat people.

    Industry

    Health care and social assistance

    Company size

    10,000+ Employees

    Headquarters location

    Columbia, MD, US

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