GS Nursing Professional Development Specialist

Position Summary

The Nursing Professional Development Specialist (NPDS) is responsible for directing and planning the continuum of learning and professional development to support competence in role performance and improve patient care and quality outcomes. The role exists to advance clinical practice, professional growth, and organizational effectiveness through structured education and development initiatives that align with departmental and organizational strategic goals.

The Nursing Professional Development Specialist (NPDS) is responsible for directing and planning the continuum of learning and professional development to support competence in role performance and improve patient care and quality outcomes. The role exists to advance clinical practice, professional growth, and organizational effectiveness through structured education and development initiatives that align with departmental and organizational strategic goals.

The NPDS assesses staff learning needs; identifies program goals and objectives; develops, plans, and implements evidence-based educational activities designed to promote positive learning and practice environments; and evaluates changes in knowledge, skills, and behaviors to ensure improved patient care and quality outcomes.

Operating under general supervision, the NPDS functions with a high degree of professional judgment in planning and executing education and development initiatives. The role collaborates across departments and disciplines to support practice transitions, quality improvement efforts, and the integration of evidence into practice. The NPDS may provide guidance related to professional development initiatives but does not typically exercise direct supervisory authority.

• Conducts Comprehensive Learning Needs Assessments:
  Identifies and prioritizes educational and professional development needs by collecting and analyzing data from quality metrics, competency assessments, regulatory requirements, patient outcomes, practice gaps, stakeholder input, and organizational initiatives. Reassesses needs as competencies are achieved or new gaps emerge.
• Designs and Develops Evidence-Based Education and Development Programs:
  Develops measurable program goals, objectives, and outcomes aligned with organizational priorities, regulatory standards, and evidence-based practice. Designs curricula, competency frameworks, orientation programs, residency/fellowship programs, continuing education, and interprofessional education initiatives using adult learning principles and structured educational design processes.
• Implements Education, Orientation, and Competency Programs:
  Coordinates and delivers onboarding/orientation, in-service education, continuing education, competency assessment programs, practice transition (residency/fellowship) programs, and role-specific certification courses. Adjusts learning plans based on learner readiness, performance data, and demonstrated