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 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 competence. Ensures required materials, documentation, and equipment are available and maintained.

• Evaluates Program Effectiveness and Outcomes:

  Utilizes reliable evaluation methodologies to measure changes in knowledge, skills, behaviors, clinical practice, and patient outcomes. Analyzes evaluation data, quality indicators, and feedback to determine effectiveness and implements revisions to improve educational and competency programs. Maintains required documentation and records for regulatory and accreditation compliance.

• Supports Practice Change and Quality Improvement Initiatives:

  Applies change management and quality improvement methodologies to advance patient care standards, policies, procedures, and care delivery processes. Participates in interdisciplinary committees and institutional initiatives that impact clinical practice, safety, efficiency, and quality outcomes. Facilitates implementation and adaptation of practice changes across departments.

• Provides Consultation and Clinical Practice Support:

  Serves as a resource and consultant to nursing leadership and interdisciplinary teams regarding competency concerns, practice standards, clinical decision‑making, and professional development strategies. Collaborates to address complex clinical or system‑level issues and supports remediation or performance improvement initiatives when indicated.

• Promotes Evidence-Based Practice, Research, and Scientific Inquiry:

  Integrates current research, literature, and evidence into educational programming and practice standards. Supports quality improvement projects and research activities; analyzes findings for applicability to clinical…