Nursing Professional Development Specialist I

University of Maryland Medical System; Bel Air (MD); On-site; USD 64,747 - 97,175; Full time

Job summary

University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Health seeks a Nursing Professional Development Specialist I to lead education initiatives for direct care staff and leaders. The role supports professional practice, evidence-based education, and staff development across nursing services.

The position involves assessment, development, implementation, and evaluation of education programs, mentorship of staff, and collaboration to enhance patient care quality and safety. Office hours are typically 8:00 a.m.

Qualifications

• BSN from an accredited program and Nursing Professional Development certification required.
• MSN in Nursing or Nursing Education is acceptable.
• Maryland RN licensure or eligibility required.
• Minimum 3 years related experience required.
• Graduate degree and/or specialty certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and professional support to direct care staff and leaders in nursing and patient care services.
• Lead assessment, development, implementation, evaluation, and maintenance of a professional practice model.
• Develop and maintain education programs aligned with accreditation requirements.
• Mentor educators and support staff in assessment and evaluation of educational activities.
• Facilitate interprofessional collaboration to develop and implement practice standards.
• Ensure patient safety and compliance with organizational standards.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Clinical knowledge

Leadership

Project management

Collaboration

Patient safety

Education

BSN + Nursing Professional Development certification

MSN or Nursing Education

Job description

Job Requirements

Company Description

University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Health (UM UCH) offers the residents of northeastern Maryland an unparalleled combination of clinical expertise, leading-edge technology, and an exceptional patient experience.

A community-based, integrated, non-profit health system, our vision is to become the preferred, integrated health system creating the healthiest community in Maryland. We are dedicated to maintaining and improving the health of the people in our community through an integrated health delivery system that provides high quality care to all. Our commitment to service excellence is evident through a broad range of health care services, technologies and facilities. We work collaboratively with our community and other health organizations to serve as a resource for health promotion and education.

Today, UM UCH is the leading health care system and second largest private employer in Harford County. Our 3,500 team members and over 650 medical staff physicians serve residents of Harford County, eastern Baltimore County, and western Cecil County.

Nursing Professional Development Specialist I

Full time, exempt, days, Monday-Friday 8a-4:30p

Under limited supervision, provides leadership, expertise and professional support services to direct care staff and leaders in nursing and patient care services at the organizational level. Serves as an educator, consultant, collaborator, facilitator, and change agent. Leads in the assessment, development, implementation, evaluation and maintenance of a model for professional practice that fosters the delivery of high-quality, cost-effective patient care, as well as exceptional clinical practice and the professional development of staff. Uses organizational assessment and evaluation strategies to analyze organizational performance and capability and develops strategies to enhance effectiveness of teams and work groups. Scope of the responsibility and accountability aligns with professional standards and continuously evolves to meet the demands of the practice setting.

The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job responsibilities performed.

• Assumes responsibility for comprehensive professional development programming and services within area of responsibility and expertise.
• Independently assesses, develops strategies, and implements education based on analysis of organizational performance, regulatory requirements, emerging practice standards, and identification of customer requirements.
• Develops, implements, and evaluates appropriate evidence-based educational approaches to accomplish desired training outcomes.
• Mentors unit/divisional-based educators in assessment, development, implementation, and evaluation of educational activities.
• Develops and maintains role-transition programs for new-to-practice staff and staff transitioning from one specialty or role to another in alignment with accreditation requirements at organizational level.
• Introduces evidence-based practice improvements to facilitate the delivery of high quality, cost-effective patient care processes. Provide leadership to accomplish objectives through innovation and expert knowledge.
• Facilitates interprofessional collaboration in the development and implementation of practice standards that address the interests of all clinical care providers.
• Provides or seeks clinical expertise in nursing practice based on ongoing review of outcomes data and regional and national practice trends to ensure early adoption of relevant evidence-based practice standards.
• Role models the spirit of scientific inquiry and incorporates relevant evidence into nursing professional development.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.
  
  

Work Experience

Education & Experience - Required

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an accredited graduate program and certification in Nursing Professional Development is required.
• OR Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), or Nursing Education.
• Licensure as a Registered Nurse in the state of Maryland, or eligible for licensure in Maryland.
• A minimum of three (3) years of related experience is required.
  
  

Education & Experience - Preferred

• Graduate degree preferred.
• Specialty certification preferred.
  
  

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Clinical and professional knowledge of current issues relevant to patient care delivery. Additional knowledge in the areas of professional development, group process, change management and effective leadership also required.
• Demonstrated ability to independently manage programs, staff and large-scale projects. Demonstrated ability to plan, organize and follow through on assignments and/or projects. Ability to analyze and conceptually develop ideas, proposals and programs.
• Ability to develop collaborative programs and projects with other disciplines is required. Must be able to contribute to team effectiveness, build relationships and facilitate improvements.
• Demonstrated leadership abilities, including collaborative, consultative and coaching skills are required.
• Ensures patient safety in the performance of job functions and through participation in hospital, department or unit patient safety initiatives.
• Ability to demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the patient population(s) served. Ability to demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and ability to assess data reflective of the patient's requirements relative to his or her population-specific and age specific needs.
• Demonstrated ability to plan, organize, complete and evaluate assignments and/or projects and to collaborate with others to plan and implement initiatives. Demonstrated ability to analyze and to conceptually develop ideas, programs and projects and provide guidelines for implementation.
  
  

Benefits

Additional Information

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Compensation

• Pay Range: $47-$70.54
• Other Compensation (if applicable):
• Review the 2025-2026 UMMS Benefits Guide