Job Description
The Clinical Professional Development Specialist plays a key role in leading, facilitating, and participating in quality initiatives within the nursing division. This position is responsible for planning, coordinating, and managing educational programs for nursing staff, implementing evidence-based nursing practices, and supporting ongoing professional development. As an expert clinician, the CPDS serves as a primary educational resource for the nursing team, working to ensure high-quality patient care and continuous growth.
This role involves seven core responsibilities: education, onboarding/orientation, competency management, research inquiry/evidence-based practice (EBP), role development, mentorship, and leadership. The CPDS prioritizes their work based on organizational goals, vision, and values.
Key Responsibilities
Education
The CPDS conducts ongoing needs assessments to identify gaps in knowledge, skills, and abilities, focusing on both competencies and opportunities for growth. They develop and deliver a range of educational programs, including nursing orientation, continuing education, new nurse transition-to-practice programs, specialty transition-to-practice programs, internal career development opportunities, and clinical research initiatives. The goal is to support the professional development of nursing staff and those aspiring to enter the nursing field.
Onboarding/Orientation
Collaborating with department and clinical managers, the CPDS develops personalized orientation programs for all new staff members. They create competency-based checklists for nursing-related roles and provide guidance and support to new and transitioning nurses. The CPDS works closely with unit-based preceptors to ensure that all new staff members have a comprehensive and effective orientation experience.
Competency Management
The CPDS is responsible for creating and managing a competency framework that defines the knowledge, skills, and abilities essential for effective clinical practice. This framework ensures that nurses can progress through their roles while maintaining high standards of patient care. The CPDS regularly reviews and updates the framework to reflect evolving healthcare requirements.
Clinical Inquiry and Evidence-based Practice
As a key leader in clinical practice, the CPDS advises and collaborates with staff to integrate research and evidence into nursing practice. They mentor staff in evidence-based practice, ensuring that research findings are effectively applied in clinical settings. The CPDS also works with Nurse Scientists to drive the dissemination of evidence-based outcomes, promoting continuous learning within the nursing team.
Collaborative Partnerships
The CPDS fosters strong relationships with nursing and inter-professional leaders to achieve strategic goals. They collaborate with academic programs, share expertise in clinical specialties, and engage in discussions about emerging trends in nursing education, practice, and regulations. The CPDS also considers the impact of system-wide changes on the nursing division.
Mentorship
Serving as a mentor, the CPDS guides nursing staff through various stages of their careers. They assist with professional development plans, offer support and encouragement, and act as a role model in fostering professional growth within the nursing community.
Leadership
The CPDS is an integral member of the nursing leadership team, supporting the implementation of clinical policies and decisions that impact nursing practice. They lead the planning and execution of educational programs for new or evolving care models and contribute to quality improvement initiatives. The CPDS mentors colleagues and participates in strategic planning, educational activities, and professional organizations to advance nursing practice. They also ensure compliance with regulatory standards and participate in committees to help drive positive changes in patient care.
Required Qualifications
Education
BSN in Nursing; Master's degree strongly preferred.
(Clinical Professional Development Specialists are typically educators with a Master's degree, while Clinical Nurse Educators hold a BSN.)
Experience
A minimum of three (3) years of progressively responsible nursing experience in a designated clinical area is preferred.
Licenses/Certifications
RN (Registered Nurse)
Certifications as determined by the division, including but not limited to:
BLS (Basic Life Support)
ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support)
NRP (Neonatal Resuscitation Program)
PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support)
TNCC (Trauma Nurse Core Course)
Instructor-level certification may be required for certain divisions (e.g., AHA BLS Instructor, AHA ACLS Instructor).
Additional Requirements
Professional certification is expected once eligibility criteria are met.
Membership in a professional organization is strongly encouraged.
Employment Type: Full-Time
Salary: $ 20.00 25.00 Per Hour
Job Tags
Hourly pay, Full time,