Nursing Professional Development Specialist, Peri Operative

Position Summary

The Nursing Professional Development Specialist supports the development, coordination, and evaluation of educational initiatives for nursing case management staff. This role partners with clinical leaders, educators, and interdisciplinary teams to identify learning needs, promote competency, and ensure alignment with organizational goals. The role of Nursing Professional Development Specialist (NPDS) uses NPD practical judgement to direct and plan for the continuum of learning and professional development of competence in role performance.

This continuum consists of assessment of staff learning needs, identification of program goals and objectives, developing, planning, and implementation of evidenced‑based activities designed in positive learning or practice environments. The final aspect of the continuum consists of the evaluation for staff change in knowledge, skills, and behaviors leading to improved patient care and quality outcomes. The NPDS embodies the characteristics of a change agent, facilitator, leader, communicator, collaborator, mentor, researcher, and lifelong learner.

• Identifies educational needs in collaboration with key stakeholders, considers target audience, environment, and priorities.
• Collects data through various sources, identifies practice gaps, and reassesses as staff acquire competency.
• In collaboration with key stakeholders, considering organizational priorities, regulatory standards, and evidence‑based practice develops expected outcomes.
• Uses concepts of adult learning to develop content and curriculum, individualizes content for individual learning needs, and addresses desired standards and outcomes.
• Works in collaboration with various stakeholders and NPS generalists and plans for implementation.
• Implements competencies in collaboration with stakeholders and Nursing Professional Development Generalists, adjusting learning plans according to learners' readiness and ability to demonstrate competence.
• Coordinates learning plans to desired outcomes while fostering a positive learning and practice environment.
• Incorporates theory, behavior change, and motivation to collaborative evaluation of effectiveness of competencies, involving learners and stakeholders in evaluation process using reliable methods of assessment.
• Adjusts plans according to gaps in desired outcomes and incorporates the ANA Code of Ethics for Nurses, Nursing Professional Development:
  Scope and Standards of Practice, and other relevant standards, guidelines, benchmarks, regulations, and laws to guide practice.
• Creates a supportive environment for nursing research, scientific inquiry, quality improvement, and evidence‑based practice, using QI processes, creativity, and innovation to improve the quality of the learning experience.
• Develops collaborative partnerships for the planning and development, implementation, and evaluation of interprofessional continuing education.
• Evaluates personal performance on a regular basis, identifying areas of strength and areas for needed professional development.

Graduate of an accredited baccalaureate program required and a Master’s degree program required; one of which is in nursing.

• Licensed to practice professional nursing as a registered nurse in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts required.
• Basic Life Support certification required; BCLS/ACLS instructor certification highly desired.
• Certification in practice area and/or specialty (or within 6 months).
• National certification in Professional Development (ANCC) strongly desired.

At least 5 years of progressively responsible duties in clinical nursing practice required. Demonstrated ability to apply principles of…