Neonatal Professional Development Specialist - Registered Nurse

BASIC PURPOSE OF THE JOB

Responsible for assessing needs, planning, evaluating and implementing orientation and education programs for nursing units, including input into new employee orientation, and assistance with nurse residency program. Coordinates unit specific educational initiatives with department leadership. Evaluates staff's ongoing competency and development needs. Coordinates and networks with centralized education department on hospital wide nursing education activities.

REPORTS TO

• Nurse Manager/Nursing Director

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Supervisory Responsibilities: NO

Minimum Education: Bachelors Degree required; Masters Degree preferred.

Degree: Degree in Nursing Required. Degree preferred in Nursing, Education, Organizational Management or related field.

License/Certification Required: Registered Professional Nurse currently licensed in Tennessee. BLS and PALS/NRP Provider status required. BLS instructor required within one year of hire. PALS/NRP instructor preferred. Certification in Nursing Staff Development desired

Minimum Work Experience: Minimum 3 years professional NICU nursing experience required and 1 year documented training-related experience such as content expert activities/precepting, etc.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Educators should demonstrate knowledge of appropriate methods of delivery of information and the ability to develop and facilitate relevant and effective education for adult learners.
• Other important skills include mentoring and fostering empowerment.
• Educational experience/nursing experience to the specific nursing department/specialty needs.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develops annual outcomes- focused educational strategic plan with input from nurse manager/nursing director and clinical education coordinator, based on organizational and unit specific needs: Implements plan and activities using principles of quality, project and systems management. Evaluates progress toward attainment of goals: professional, unit, department, according to organizational strategic plan. Assures all necessary education is available and documented. Integrates research and evidence-based findings into practice.
• Participates in preceptor educational programs and provides on-going support to preceptor. Coaches and develops unit staff as preceptors and mentors.
• Performs assessments, analyzes issues, trends, and supporting data related to educational needs and other pertinent situations. This includes needs of the individuals, the organization, related community groups, and specific unit nursing needs.
• Acts as a resource and liaison to organization: Participates in hospital committees and activities to assess educational needs and provide training and development input, in collaboration with unit leadership and clinical education coordinator. Serves as an effective change agent.
• Collaborates with unit leadership to determine and maintain clinical competence of staff per unit standards. Functions in a coaching and mentoring capacity to enhance/influence the professional growth/development of others. Coordinates and actively participates in unit based orientation with licensed and non-licensed staff within the department of nursing.
• Performs staff nurse duties, as necessary for education and training and to meet departmental/unit needs.
• Serves as the designated CBISA reporter for the department. Reports benefit activities, communicates benefit stories, calculates event detail and enters information into Lyon Software (CBISA) program. Completes reports monthly with an understanding that all fiscal year entries be completed no later than August 1 of the next fiscal year.
• Integrates Patient & Family-Centered Care and Service Excellence expectations in the development of educational initiatives and activities. Advocates for the protection, rights and opportunities of learners.
• Establishes collegial partnerships contributing to the professional development of peers, students, colleagues, and others.
• Continuously displays a “can do” attitude within the department and across departmental lines to contribute to and enhance the effectiveness of others.
• Maintains current knowledge and competency in professional development practice through participation in continuing education activities.
• Participates in self evaluation of his/her own practice in relation to professional practice standards and guidelines through activities such as peer review and solicitation of feedback from learners and colleagues. Maintains open communication using the appropriate chain of command regarding issues.
• Willingly assumes all other duties and responsibilities as necessary.
• Utilizes hospital resources and time respectfully and accountably.
• Considers factors related to safety, effectiveness, and cost in regard to professional development activities and expected outcomes.
• Contributes to the budget process through planning and requests for human, financial and material resources necessary to meet identified needs.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Note: Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.
• Light lifting, pushing and pulling is required for 10-20 lbs occasionally and frequent moving of objects of less than 10 lbs is required. Frequent sitting with some walking, standing, squatting, bending and reaching is required. Keyboard/computer use and/or repetitive motions may be required. 

Come work where you can make a difference everyday.