What are the responsibilities and job description for the Nursing Professional Development Specialist position at Advocate Aurora Health?
Responsible for developing, implementing and leading evidence-based, quality educational programs and activities which promote individual development and competency among nursing department personnel. Develops, coordinates and implements activities for orientation/onboarding, nursing application (practice, policy, products) and continuing education/professional development related to system, site and/or specialty. Provides clinical and educational expertise that directly or indirectly influences nurses and healthcare personnel, systems, and community. Designs, implements, and evaluates educational programs that reflect organizational vision and values with awareness of current healthcare trends. Uses the roles of advisor, change agent, collaborator, communicator, consultant, facilitator, leader, mentor, researcher to impact patient safety and quality outcomes through professional development initiatives. Promotes the generation and dissemination of new knowledge and use of evidence to guide clinical practice and improve patient care while advancing professional development. The role may be based at the system, at the site reporting to the system or at the site reporting to the respective site and may teach, develop or support NEPD programs at the site, region or system level.
Through application of ANPD principles and acting in the roles of advisor, change agent, collaborator, communicator, consultant, facilitator, leader, mentor, researcher the team member applies advanced knowledge of nursing in the delivery of evidenced-based nursing and education interventions using the educational design process to bridge the knowledge, skills, and/or practice gaps identified through a needs assessment.
Collects data and information to validate an identified gap in professional practice and to determine the specific knowledge, skill, or practice deficit or opportunity needed. Investigates issues, trends, and supporting data to determine the needs of individuals, organizations, and communities (prioritizing macrosystem needs).
Analyzes cost and anticipated return on investment for learning activities, programs, and projects. Transforms processes at multiple levels through inspiration, initiation, adoption, and sustainment of and adaptation to change using project management and improvement processes.
Develops context-specific outcomes based on organizational stakeholders’ and learners’ values, goals, current evidence, and regulations. Establishes a plan that prescribes strategies, alternatives, and resources to achieve expected outcomes. Incorporates theories pertaining to learning and behavioral change while designing educational materials and programs.
Promotes the generation and dissemination of new knowledge and use of evidence to guide clinical practice, improves patient care and foster life long learning. Role models practices for creating and sustaining positive learning and practice environments.
Assesses learner characteristics, including learning styles and learning needs for program development. Creates an effective learning environment, demonstrates proficiency in use of technology. Evaluates the outcomes of staff education, functions in the roles of both teacher and facilitator. Implements a variety of teaching strategies tailored to the learner’s characteristics, learning needs, cultural perspectives, and outcome objectives. Plans programs that are culturally relevant and that incorporate concepts of multicultural and multigenerational education.
Advises in the design, development, implementation, and evaluation of materials, learning environments (i.e. virtual), and teaching strategies appropriate to the situation and learner’s developmental level, learning needs, readiness, ability to learn, and culture.
Exhibits system thinking throughout the planning process. Develops partnerships to enhance health care through interprofessional initiatives (i.e. quality improvement, organizational excellence initiatives) and coordinates integrated educational services.
Supports the transition of nurses and other healthcare team members across learning and practice environments, roles, and professional stages. Mentors, guides, and supports NEPD generalist as applicable.
Licenses & Certifications
Registered Nurse license issued by the state in which the team member practices, and
Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) certification issued by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), or
Nursing Professional Development (RN-BC) certification issued by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) needs to be obtained within 6 months.
Degrees
Master's Degree in Nursing, or
Bachelor's Degree in Nursing, and
Master's Degree in Education or related field.
Required Functional Experience
Typically requires 3 years of experience in a clinical nursing role that includes experiences in adult teaching or training, and/or developing educational programs
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Must be knowledgeable in principles of adult learning theory and capable of creative planning, coordinating, and overseeing educational and orientation programs.Proficient at incorporating adult learning principles, online and in person teaching methods to maximize learning and the application of that learning.Excellent written and oral communications including strong presentation/speaking skills.Excellent interpersonal, negotiation, planning and problem solving skills.Critical thinking and analytical skills.Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
