Professional Development Specialist RN

Northwell Health; Norwalk (CT); On-site; USD 63,273 - 89,544; Full time

Job summary

Northwell Health seeks a Professional Development Specialist RN to enhance educational programs and improve patient care at Norwalk Hospital.

In this role, you will develop and implement staff education initiatives, support professional growth, and ensure excellence in patient care through effective communication and mentorship.

The position requires a Master's degree in Nursing, APRN certification, and proven clinical skills.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Nursing or related field.
• APRN certification, CNOR, and RNFA within 2 years of hire.
• High competency in psychomotor skills and critical thinking.

Responsibilities

• Develop and evaluate educational programs for staff.
• Coordinate and teach unit-based programs.
• Provide coaching and mentorship to staff.

Skills

Clinical knowledge

Education development

Coaching

Critical thinking

Education

Master’s degree in Nursing or related field

APRN certification, CNOR, and RNFA

Job description

Professional Development Specialist RN

Location: Norwalk, CT, United States

Salary Range: $45.93 - $65.00 per hour

Work Type: Full-Time | Standard Hours: 40 | Work Schedule: DAY 1 | Work Shift: Mon-Fri, 0700-1500 or 0800-1600 | FTE: Exempt | Date Posted: Apr 29, 2026

At Nuvance Health and Norwalk Hospital, we desire a Professional Development Specialist RN to advance our educational programs and support patient care excellence.

Summary: The Specialist demonstrates expertise in clinical knowledge, education, and research to enhance quality service. Responsibilities include developing and evaluating educational programs, coaching staff, and contributing to patient and staff satisfaction through effective communication.

Responsibilities

• Develop, plan, implement, and evaluate educational programs for staff, including 2 continuing education unit programs per year, and conduct orientation and regulatory training.
• Coordinate, schedule, and teach unit‑based programs in collaboration with staff, focusing on priorities and realistic outcomes. Facilitate clinical education and promote specialty certifications.
• Provide coaching and mentorship: update unit library, counsel staff, liaise with management, and collaborate on nursing unit standards and policies.
• Demonstrate professional leadership, promote practice changes, and act as a change agent for knowledge improvement. Support staff with resources for professional growth.
• Serve as a clinical resource: address clinical problems, ensure protocol compliance, facilitate interdisciplinary care, and respond promptly to unit needs.
• Build team capacity: mentor during clinical calls, track educational needs, coordinate programs for PA and nursing students, and encourage critical thinking.
• Maintain professional development, participate in organizations, update records, contribute to committees, and support hiring and reviews.
• Assist in clinical tasks: support pre‑admission testing, physician assistants, act as surgical first assistant when needed, and perform other duties as required.
• Execute additional duties as assigned and fulfill all compliance responsibilities related to the position.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Nursing or related field.
• APRN certification, CNOR, and RNFA within 2 years of hire.
• Zero to six months of related experience (desired: MSN and teaching experience).
• High competency in psychomotor skills, critical thinking, and selected clinical areas.
• Valid credentials: RN, BLS; additional certification as applicable.

Other Information

Company: Norwalk Hospital Association | Org Unit: 381 | Department: Nursing Education | Exempt: Yes

Salary considered a good faith determination of potential base compensation and may be adjusted based on experience, education, and other factors.