Nursing Professional Development Specialist (NPDS) - Emergency Department

christianacare; Newark (DE); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

ChristianaCare is seeking a Nursing Professional Development Specialist to lead ED nurse residency programs and advance clinical excellence. You will design competency-based education, mentor staff, and partner with nursing leadership to improve patient outcomes across Newark and Wilmington ED settings.

The role focuses on onboarding, advanced practice development, residency leadership, and evidence-based practice initiatives to support nursing excellence and staff readiness within a major

Qualifications

• BSN required; Master’s degree in Nursing or related field or current MSN/MS enrollment with completion within three years.
• Hospital-based clinical and educational experience.
• Certifications in Emergency or critical care nursing are preferred or required: CEN, TCRN, SANE, CCRN, CPEN.

Responsibilities

• Lead Emergency Nurse Residency Programs and three residency cohorts annually.
• Advance clinical excellence and develop competency-based educational programs.
• Drive evidence-based practice and quality improvement initiatives across the ED.
• Collaborate with nursing leaders, physicians, educators, and interdisciplinary teams.

Skills

Performance improvement

Regulatory compliance

Educational program development

Interprofessional collaboration

Clinical education

Education

BSN

MSN/MS in progress

Job description

Job Details

Nursing Professional Development Specialist Emergency Department

Newark, DE

Are you passionate about developing nurses, leading practice excellence, and shaping the future of emergency nursing? ChristianaCare is seeking an experienced and dynamic Nursing Professional Development Specialist (NPDS) to support our Emergency Department teams.

The Nursing Professional Development Specialist (NPDS) provides leadership and oversight for the education, onboarding, professional development, and competency management of nursing staff and interprofessional team members within Christiana's Emergency Department. The NPDS serves as a key partner in fostering clinical excellence, supporting role transition, advancing evidence-based practice, and ensuring staff are prepared to provide safe, high-quality care. Through collaboration with nursing leadership, clinical teams, and organizational stakeholders, the NPDS promotes professional growth, workforce readiness, and exceptional patient outcomes.

In this highly visible role, you will serve as a clinical educator, mentor, consultant, and change agent, helping emergency nurses thrive throughout their professional journey. From onboarding and competency development to residency program leadership and evidence-based practice initiatives, you'll play a critical role in advancing nursing excellence and supporting outstanding patient outcomes.

At ChristianaCare, we believe exceptional patient care starts with exceptional caregivers. As a Nursing Professional Development Specialist, you will:

• Lead and support three Emergency Department Nurse Residency cohorts annually
• Influence practice across multiple Emergency Department settings
• Partner with frontline staff, nursing leadership, physicians, and interdisciplinary teams
• Drive quality improvement, evidence-based practice, and professional development initiatives
• Help create the next generation of emergency nursing professionals
• Be part of an organization recognized for nursing excellence, innovation, and professional growth

Position Overview

The selected candidate will primarily support the Newark Emergency Department and will also collaborate with colleagues to provide educational support across Emergency Department settings, including Wilmington. This role offers the opportunity to impact practice, foster professional growth, and influence patient care outcomes across one of the region's leading healthcare systems.

Key Responsibilities

Lead Emergency Nurse Residency Programs

• Provide direction, oversight, and facilitation of Emergency Department nurse residency programs
• Support and mentor new graduate nurses through transition-to-practice experiences
• Coordinate and evaluate educational programming for three residency cohorts each year

Advance Clinical Excellence

• Design, implement, and evaluate competency-based educational programs
• Develop individualized orientation plans that support successful onboarding and long-term retention
• Identify learning needs through performance data, quality metrics, and practice gap analyses
• Facilitate ongoing professional development opportunities for staff

Drive Evidence-Based Practice & Quality Improvement

• Promote clinical inquiry and research utilization
• Mentor nurses in quality improvement initiatives aligned with organizational priorities
• Translate evidence into practice to improve patient and nursing outcomes
• Measure educational effectiveness and continuously improve learning strategies

Collaborate & Influence

• Partner with nursing leaders, physicians, educators, and interdisciplinary teams
• Support Professional Governance and shared decision-making councils
• Serve as a consultant and resource for practice change, role development, and succession planning
• Champion organizational initiatives and standards including Magnet principles, regulatory compliance, and patient safety

Qualifications

Required Education

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) required
• Master's degree in Nursing or related field required, OR current enrollment in an MSN/MS program with completion within three years

Required Experience

• Hospital-based clinical and educational experience
• Demonstrated involvement in: Performance improvement
• Regulatory compliance
• Educational program development and delivery
• Interprofessional collaboration

Required Certification

• One of the following specialty certifications is required:
• CEN (Certified Emergency Nurse)
• TCRN (Trauma Certified Registered Nurse)
• SANE (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner)
• CCRN (Critical Care Registered Nurse)
• CPEN (Certified Pediatric Emergency Nurse)

Ideal Candidate

• Passionate about developing others and building strong clinical teams
• Experienced in emergency, trauma, critical care, or pediatric emergency practice
• Skilled in adult learning principles and curriculum design
• Comfortable leading change and influencing practice improvements
• Experienced in evidence-based practice and quality initiatives
• A strong com