Nursing Professional Development Specialist Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In today’s healthcare landscape, the role of Nursing Professional Development Specialists is increasingly important.

As healthcare evolves, so does the need for skilled professionals who can not only care for patients, but also facilitate, mentor, and lead the ongoing learning and development of other nursing staff.

But let’s delve deeper: What exactly is expected from a Nursing Professional Development Specialist?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker exploring the responsibilities of this role,
• A hiring manager crafting the perfect job description,
• Or simply fascinated by the field of nursing and its development,

You’ve come to the right place.

In this article, we present a comprehensive Nursing Professional Development Specialist job description template, tailored for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Nursing Professional Development Specialist Duties and Responsibilities

Nursing Professional Development Specialists are responsible for improving the practice of nursing and the delivery of patient care.

They play a critical role in the education, development, and career progression of nursing staff.

The duties and responsibilities of a Nursing Professional Development Specialist include:

• Design, implement, and evaluate educational programs for nurses
• Mentor and support nurses in their professional development
• Assess the learning needs of the nursing staff and develop appropriate training programs
• Coordinate and facilitate continuing education and certification activities
• Collaborate with nursing leadership and staff to identify and strategize responses to organizational and staff learning needs
• Maintain and update nursing staff records, including training and development activities
• Advocate for the role of the nurse and the voice of nursing in interdisciplinary settings
• Research and apply evidence-based practices in nursing education and patient care
• Ensure compliance with healthcare regulations and nursing standards
• Provide consultation and resources to nursing staff to enhance their practice and patient outcomes

 

Nursing Professional Development Specialist Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Nursing Professional Development Specialist to join our team.

The primary responsibilities include developing and implementing nursing education programs, evaluating nursing practices, and providing clinical coaching to the nursing staff.

The ideal candidate should be a licensed nurse with in-depth knowledge of the latest nursing techniques, procedures, and equipment, and demonstrate an ability to facilitate learning and improvement in a healthcare environment.

 

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement nursing education programs and curricula.
• Evaluate nursing practices to identify areas of improvement.
• Provide clinical coaching and guidance to nursing staff.
• Collaborate with nursing leaders to identify learning needs and develop training strategies.
• Conduct competency assessments and performance evaluations.
• Participate in research activities related to nursing practices and education.
• Maintain current knowledge of nursing trends and developments.
• Advocate for the professional development of nursing staff.
• Facilitate communication and collaboration among nursing staff and other healthcare professionals.

 

Qualifications

• Registered Nurse with a current license.
• Master’s degree in Nursing or Education, preferred.
• Experience in a clinical nursing role and education.
• Proficiency in nursing practices, techniques, and equipment.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and organizational skills.
• Strong clinical coaching and mentoring abilities.
• Knowledge of adult learning principles and education methods.
• Ability to develop and implement nursing education programs and curricula.

 

Benefits

• 401(k) with company match
• Comprehensive health insurance
• Dental and vision insurance
• Generous paid time off
• Continuing education opportunities
• Professional development and career advancement opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Nursing Professional Development Specialist
• Work Environment: Hospital/healthcare setting. May require evenings and weekends depending on the educational needs of the staff.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director of Nursing or Education Department Head.
• Salary: Salary is based on experience, qualifications, and market considerations.
• Pay Range: $70,000 minimum to $90,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are committed to creating a diverse environment and are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.
• Application Instructions: Interested candidates should submit their resume, along with a cover letter describing their qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Nursing Professional Development Specialist Do?

A Nursing Professional Development Specialist primarily works in healthcare settings like hospitals, nursing homes, and clinics.

Their role is to design, implement, and evaluate educational programs for nurses.

They are responsible for identifying the learning needs of the nursing staff and creating training programs to meet these needs.

This could include creating curriculum for continuing education courses, facilitating workshops, and organizing seminars.

The Nursing Professional Development Specialist also assesses the effectiveness of these educational programs by collecting and analyzing data.

They may use a variety of methods, such as surveys, interviews, and direct observation, to evaluate the impact of the training on the nurses’ skills and knowledge.

Additionally, they may serve as a resource person for nursing staff, providing them with the latest information and research in nursing practice.

They may also collaborate with nursing leaders to develop strategies for improving patient care.

As part of their role, Nursing Professional Development Specialists may also be involved in orientation programs for new nurses, providing them with the necessary training and support to transition into their new roles.

In sum, the Nursing Professional Development Specialist plays a vital role in supporting the professional growth and development of nurses, ensuring that they are equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to provide high-quality patient care.

 

Nursing Professional Development Specialist Qualifications and Skills

A Nursing Professional Development Specialist should have a blend of clinical expertise, adult learning skills, and professional development capabilities.

These skills and qualifications may include:

• Registered Nursing license and a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing, Master’s degree preferred.
• Expertise in a particular clinical area, with the ability to use this knowledge to help other nurses improve their skills and knowledge.
• Skills in adult education theory and application, allowing them to provide effective training and education to nursing staff.
• Strong communication skills to effectively collaborate with all levels of nursing staff, from front-line nurses to nurse executives.
• Problem-solving abilities to understand the unique challenges facing nurses and to develop training programs and initiatives that address these challenges.
• Leadership skills to guide and mentor nursing staff in their professional development.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented to manage multiple training programs, track nurse progress, and ensure compliance with continuing education requirements.
• Ability to stay abreast of the latest developments in nursing science, technology, and best practices, and to incorporate these trends into professional development programs.

 

Nursing Professional Development Specialist Experience Requirements

Nursing Professional Development Specialists generally require a minimum of 3 years of clinical nursing experience.

This may include roles such as Registered Nurse (RN), Clinical Nurse Specialist, or other similar roles.

Specialists often hold a Master’s degree in Nursing or a related field, which offers opportunities to gain theoretical knowledge and practical nursing experience.

Some positions may require a Doctorate in Nursing Practice (DNP).

Continuing education is a critical aspect of this role.

Therefore, candidates who have completed additional coursework in nursing education, adult education, or curriculum development may have an advantage.

Candidates with more than 5 years of experience in a clinical setting often have developed their technical skills and knowledge in healthcare delivery and patient care.

They might also have some experience in mentoring, coaching, or education, which are crucial aspects of a Nursing Professional Development Specialist role.

Those with more than 7 years of nursing experience may have some leadership experience, such as charge nurse or nursing manager.

These individuals may have further developed their abilities in strategic planning, program development, and evaluation, making them excellent candidates for a Nursing Professional Development Specialist role.

 

Nursing Professional Development Specialist Education and Training Requirements

Nursing Professional Development Specialists typically require a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing, but many organizations prefer a Master’s degree.

They must hold a valid Registered Nurse (RN) license, which involves completing an approved nursing program and passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN).

Beyond basic qualifications, these specialists must also have a significant amount of clinical nursing experience, usually around two to five years.

Some organizations may require them to hold a certification in Nursing Professional Development from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).

This certification demands at least two years of RN experience, 4,000 hours in the role of a Nursing Professional Development Specialist, and 30 hours of continuing education.

Additional skills and requirements include a thorough understanding of adult learning principles, experience in curriculum development and delivery, and a commitment to lifelong learning and professional growth.

Lastly, they need to demonstrate excellent leadership, communication, and project management skills to successfully coordinate and implement education programs for nursing staff.

 

Nursing Professional Development Specialist Salary Expectations

A Nursing Professional Development Specialist earns an average salary of $79,067 (USD) per year.

The salary can significantly vary based on factors such as the number of years of experience in the field, specific skills, additional certifications, and location of the job.

Some employers might offer additional benefits like health insurance, retirement plans, and bonuses, which could significantly increase the total compensation.

 

Nursing Professional Development Specialist Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Nursing Professional Development Specialist need?

Nursing Professional Development Specialists need to possess robust clinical knowledge, excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and proficiency in teaching methodologies.

They should also have strong organizational skills, be adept in research and analysis, and have the ability to motivate and mentor nursing staff.

 

What qualifications does a Nursing Professional Development Specialist need?

A Nursing Professional Development Specialist usually needs a Master’s Degree in Nursing Education or a related field.

They must also be a Registered Nurse, and many employers require specific nursing certifications such as Certified Professional in Nursing Professional Development.

Some roles may require several years of clinical experience or previous experience in a teaching or mentoring role.

 

What should you look for in a Nursing Professional Development Specialist resume?

The resume should indicate a strong clinical background, experience in educating or mentoring nurses, and ideally evidence of curriculum development or program implementation.

Look for specific qualifications such as a Master’s Degree in Nursing Education, certifications, and registrations.

Any evidence of taking a leadership role or implementing improvements in a healthcare setting could also be valuable.

 

What qualities make a good Nursing Professional Development Specialist?

A good Nursing Professional Development Specialist should be patient and empathetic, with strong leadership skills to guide other nurses in their professional growth.

They must be adaptable to changes in healthcare trends and be continuous learners themselves.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are also vital to effectively teach and mentor others.

 

How important is the role of a Nursing Professional Development Specialist?

The role of a Nursing Professional Development Specialist is crucial in the healthcare setting.

They are responsible for improving patient care by guiding the professional development of the nursing staff.

This includes enhancing clinical skills, promoting knowledge growth, and fostering an environment of continuous learning and improvement.

They also help to shape nursing practice by implementing evidence-based practices and quality improvement strategies.

 

Conclusion

And there we have it.

Today, we’ve delved into the crucial role of a Nursing Professional Development Specialist.

Surprise, surprise?

It’s not just about dispensing medications.

It’s about shaping the future of healthcare, one patient education at a time.

With our all-encompassing Nursing Professional Development Specialist job description template and real-life examples, you’re ready to take the next step.

But why limit yourself?

Immerse yourself further with our job description generator. It’s your key to crafting meticulous job listings or refining your resume to sheer excellence.

Remember:

Every patient education session is a part of the larger healthcare picture.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

How to Become a Nursing Professional Development Specialist (Complete Guide)

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