Registered Nurse - Professional Development Practitioner

PRIMARY PURPOSE

The Nurse Educator/Nursing Professional Development (NPD) Practitioner RN uses the tools, theories, skills, and knowledge of the specialty to improve healthcare practice of learners based on our Professional Practice Model. Using expertise in education and professional development practices, the NPD Practitioner collaborates with staff, leadership, faculty, and researchers to implement and evaluate professional development programs that influence professional role competence, continuous learning and growth.

The Practitioner promotes synergistic practices and patient outcomes throughout the organization, and organization and advances the NPD practice based on Parkland's Nursing Professional Practice Model and in accordance with Association Nursing Professional Development Scope and Standards of Professional Nursing Development Practice. The NPD Practitioner acts as a role model, change agent, advocate for nursing practice, and expert in use of educational methods.

MINIMUM SPECIFICATIONS

Education

Must have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

An Associate Degree in Nursing is acceptable if matriculated in an RN to BSN program with an expected graduation date within 16 months. Failure to complete the BSN within 16 months may result in termination

Master's Degree in Nursing or related field preferred.

Experience

• Must have 3 years clinical nursing experience.

Certification/Registration/Licensure

• Must have current RN license or valid temporary permit with the Texas Board of Nursing or valid Compact RN license
• Must have current healthcare provider BLS for Healthcare Providers certification from one of the following:
  • American Heart Association
  • American Red Cross
  • Military Training Network
• Must be certified as a CPR Instructor or obtain within six months of hire or reclassification into the role.
• ANCC Board Certification or Clinical Specialty is preferred; not required.

Skills or Special Abilities

• General computer skills, including but not limited to: Microsoft Office Tools, information security, learning management systems, electronic medical documentation, and email
• Knowledge and understanding of nursing and patient care standards and procedures.
• Knowledge of laws, rules and regulations; standards and guidelines of certifying and accrediting bodies; hospital and department/unit standards, protocols, policies and procedures governing the provision of nursing care applicable to the area of assignment.
• Knowledge of medical terminology; principles and practices of health promotion, risk reduction, illness and disease prevention and management; medications and drugs, common dosages, their physical and physiological effects, and possible adverse reactions.
• Knowledge of medical and professional nursing ethics and patient privacy rights.
• Ability to effectively use a variety of teaching methods.
• Must be able to communicate thoughts clearly; both verbally and in writing. Interpersonal skills to interact with a wide-range of constituencies.

Responsibilities

• Implements and evaluates professional development programs based on the Association for Nursing Professional Development (ANPD) Professional Practice Model in order to facilitate professional role competence, continuous learning and growth.
• Projects needs of target audience based on current issues and validates identified needs with key stakeholders. Using data gathered, documents, collaborates, prioritizes and individualizes content for the target audience, and assists with the educational planning process.
• Collaborates on the implementation of the educational plan, using strategies to facilitate positive learning and practice environments in order to achieve desired outcomes.
• Uses relevant evidence, theory, research, innovative processes and practical experience to design, implement and evaluate high quality and culturally sensitive educational activities, programs, and/or projects for staff based on identified knowledge and practice gaps. Engages stakeholders in planning and implementation of learning activities.
• Uses valid and reliable methods to measure processes and outcomes and involves learners and stakeholders in the evaluation process. Revises learning activities based on evaluation data and disseminates the results of the learning activities to stakeholders. Selects education content, materials, and techniques that can appeal to a diverse target audience in a positive learning environment. Facilitates and supports relationships with Community Education programs.
• Integrates ethics in all areas of practice, including monitoring the integrity of educational activities and guiding peers through resolution of ethical conflicts. Protects the autonomy, dignity, and rights of all individuals involved in the learning process. Reports behaviors that are illegal, unethical, or inconsistent with practice standards.
• Acts as a champion of scientific inquiry, integrating best available evidence into practice. Supports, facilitates, and/or participates in research, (Enterprise Resource Planning) EBP, and (Quality Improvement) QI, including dissemination of findings through educational programs, courses, and other activities.
• Fosters an environment that is supportive of staff's professional and personal growth. Facilitates the development of clinical expertise in staff through role modeling, teaching, and coaching/mentoring. Identifies staff professional growth opportunities and assists in the development of the department's succession plan. Provides and evaluates a comprehensive onboarding/orientation program for newly- hired staff. Functions as a resource within the clinical specialty program.
• Role models, teaches, and mentors professional accountability for nursing's role within the inter-professional health care team. Collaborates with medical, allied health and administrative staff to ensure the provision of safe, quality, compassionate care. Participates in departmental and organizational programs, committees, and special projects to achieve desired outcomes.
• Improves nursing practice and the work environment through promotion and facilitation of shared governance and decision-making processes. Identifies personal/professional development goals and commits to life-long learning for self and staff to maintain current knowledge in nursing practices through learning activities such as, continuing education, networking with professional colleagues, membership and involvement in professional nursing organizations, self-study, professional reading, certification and seeking advanced degrees. Contributes to the professional development of peers, colleagues, and others.