Nursing Professional Development Specialist

Advocate Health; Oak Lawn (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

Advocate Health seeks a skilled Nurse Educator to apply advanced nursing knowledge in developing evidence-based education interventions. You will bridge knowledge gaps through educational design, mentor staff, and lead interprofessional learning projects across clinical settings.

The role requires RN licensure, CNS certification or RN-BC within 6 months, and advanced degrees in nursing and education. Travel and flexible delivery of education are expected.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of adult learning theory and ability to plan, coordinate, and oversee educational programs.
• Proficiency in online and in-person teaching methods to maximize learning and application.
• Excellent written and oral communication including presenting and speaking skills.
• Strong interpersonal, negotiation, planning, and problem-solving abilities.
• Critical thinking and analytical skills.

Responsibilities

• Apply ANPD principles in nursing education interventions.
• Collect data to validate gaps and identify education needs.
• Analyze cost and ROI for learning activities and programs.
• Develop outcomes based on stakeholders’ values and regulations.
• Create culturally aware learning materials and programs.
• Mentor NEPD generalist and support transitions of nurses through learning environments.
• Partner with interprofessional teams to improve health care through education.
• Evaluate outcomes of staff education and adapt programs as needed.

Skills

Adult learning theory

Teaching methods (online & in-person)

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Critical thinking

MS Office

Education

Master's in Nursing

Bachelor's in Nursing

Master's in Education or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Major Responsibilities:

• 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.

Licensure, Registration, and/or Certification Required:

• 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.

Education Required:

• Master's Degree in Nursing, or
• Bachelor's Degree in Nursing, and
• Master's Degree in Education or related field.

Experience Required:

• 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 Required:

• 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).

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

• Generally exposed to a normal office environment.
• Must have functional speech, hearing, and senses to allow effective communication.
• Position requires travel, may be exposed to road and weather hazards.
• Operates all equipment necessary to perform the job.

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.