Description

Penn Medicine is dedicated to our tripartite mission of providing the highest level of care to patients, conducting innovative research, and educating future leaders in the field of medicine. Working for this leading academic medical center means collaboration with top clinical, technical and business professionals across all disciplines.
Today at Penn Medicine, someone will make a breakthrough. Someone will heal a heart, deliver hopeful news, and give comfort and reassurance. Our employees shape our future each day. Are you living your life's work?

Summary:

• The Professional Development Specialist evaluates clinical practice, facilitates compliance with Joint Commission standards and Department of Health regulations, and seeks educational and learning opportunities for the staff to continue to provide quality age-specific patient care. The Professional Development Specialist may be assigned to specific clinical specialty areas.

Responsibilities:

• Collaborates with leadership and department management on an ongoing basis to assess learning needs of staff.
• Develops, plans and implements in-service and continuing educational activities to meet identified learning needs and performance improvement initiatives. Integrates new procedures, technologies, and equipment information into learning activities. May participate in programming to meet patient and community-based educational needs.
• Serves as a planner and presenter for the Continuing Education Provider Unit.
• Designs educational resource materials utilizing principles of adult education.
• Demonstrates effectiveness, courtesy, and discretion in communicating with staff, physicians, Healthcare System employees, patients, and family members; models professional practice at all times.
• Accountable for improving patient care through adherence to all patient safety and quality standards, regulations, and best practices.
• Participates in the development of staff, including those with performance issues and those with potential to advance in their career. Participates in the administration of the annual competency assessment program for staff.
• Participates in Nursing Orientation, Student Nurse Mentorship, RN Residency, and other special programs designed to recruit and retain nurses and other PHCS staff. Participates in the initial performance evaluation of staff that complete these programs, assuring that goals have been achieved.
• Evaluates the effectiveness of educational opportunities and revises as necessary.
• Collaborates with other departments to develop and implement interdepartmental teaching programs for patients and staff.
• Participates in committees, task forces, and performance improvement activities designed to enhance patient care and safety.
• Participates in maintaining a “state of readiness” in relation to Joint Commission standards and other regulatory agencies.
• Facilitates experiences for students in the clinical area.
• Identifies own learning needs and attends relevant programs, seminars, and workshops to maintain competency and gain knowledge of current trends and technology.
• Maintains standards for documentation of educational activities. Maintains standards of confidentiality.
• Supports customer service and performance improvement goals of the department; collaborates with other caregivers, healthcare providers, and staff within and outside the education department to enhance patient care and services.
• Possesses the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to meet patients’ physical, psychological and social needs within the growth and developmental levels/patient populations served within the department.
• Demonstrates effectiveness, courtesy, and discretion in communicating with staff, physicians, Healthcare System employees, patients, and family members; models professional practice at all times.
• Adheres to all Princeton Healthcare System policies and procedures.

Credentials:

• Basic Cardiac Life Support (Required)
• Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS)Basic Life Support certification (BLS)Basic Life Support Instructor certification (BLS) - preferred
• Registered Nurse - NJ (Required)
• Active Registered Nurse license in the state of New JerseyCertification in Nursing Professional Development or clinical area - preferred

Education or Equivalent Experience:

• Bachelor of Arts or Science (Required)
• Bachelor's degree in nursing or another healthcare related field - requiredMinimum 2 years clinical experience
• Master of Arts or Science
• Master's degree in nursing or another healthcare related field - preferred

We believe that the best care for our patients starts with the best care for our employees. Our employee benefits programs help our employees get healthy and stay healthy. We offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits program that includes one of the finest prepaid tuition assistance programs in the region. Penn Medicine employees are actively engaged and committed to our mission. Together we will continue to make medical advances that help people live longer, healthier lives.
Live Your Life's Work

We are an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, familial status, genetic information, domestic or sexual violence victim status, citizenship status, military status, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable law.