Nursing Professional Development Generalist, Critical Care (24 hours, Nights)

Position: Nursing Professional Development Generalist

Department: Critical Care

Schedule: 24 hours, Off-Shift, Nights

POSITION SUMMARY:

The role of Nursing Professional Development Generalist (NPDG) supports the continuum of learning and professional development for maintenance of competence in role performance. This role consists of assessment of staff learning needs, evaluation for clinical knowledge, skills and attitudes, attainment of individual goals and objectives, planning and implementation of evidence-based activities designed in positive practice environments. The NPDG provides the leadership and direction for staff on the units that is aimed at optimizing patient outcomes, decreasing harm, and attaining strategic goals. The NPDG facilitates shared governance practices and effectively utilizes the nursing process to provide support to nursing staff, focused on nurses new to their roles.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES / DUTIES:

1. Assessment of Practice Gaps Competencies  (APND Standard 1)

Validates identified needs with key stakeholders

2.  Identification of Learning Needs Competencies. (APND Standard 2)

Collects data systematically and purposefully from a variety of sources (under the guidance of the Nursing Professional Development Specialist “NPDS”)

Direct observation

Standards and Guidelines

Regulatory agencies

Stakeholders

Assess knowledge, skill and practice gaps within unit and department Prioritizes data collection activities based on immediate and anticipated needs in alignment organizational strategic goals Uses technologies to facilitate comprehensive assessment of current and future individual and organizational needs Collects pertinent data using valid and reliable techniques and instruments Uses evidence based assessment techniques/ instruments to define potential issues, problems and needs Conducts initial and ongoing assessments of competence Documents needs assessment/ data in retrievable format Sustains ongoing process for data collection

3. Outcomes Identification Competencies. (APND Standard 3)

Defines expected outcomes using measurable terms Documents expected outcomes that demonstrate learning and activity /program impact

4. Planning Competencies (ANPD Standard 4)

Develops content in collaboration with target audience and content experts (NPDS) Respects diversity (cultural, ethnic, generational, and other) in planning to meet learner needs. Uses adult learning concepts and instructional design principles when planning an activity Individualizes content to the target audience, resources available, and domains of learning Collaborates with other professionals to enhance the comprehensiveness of the plan Markets the plan using promotional materials that are accurate, comprehensive and appeal to the target audience

5.1 Implementation Competencies (ANPD Standard 5)

Implements the plan in coordinated and timely manner Demonstrates respect, equity, and empathy in actions and interactions with diverse learners Uses current evidence based content specific to the issue/ trends to achieve defined outcomes Collaborates with colleagues and stakeholders Implements an educational plan using principles and concepts of quality Engages participants in learning activities Adjusts materials/ teaching strategies appropriate to the situation and learner’s developmental level, learning needs and readiness, ability to learn, language and culture.

5.A Coordination Competencies (ANPD Standard 5A)

Coordinates implementation of an educational plan, including activities and resources necessary to achieve desired outcomes Documents the coordination of the activity

5.B Facilitation of a Positive Learning and Practice Environment Competencies  (ANPD Standard 5B)

Facilitates education of learners to meet their professional development needs Selects appropriate psychomotor, cognitive, and affective educational content, materials , techniques and strategies to establish a positive learning environment Uses skills and tools appropriately vetted for the culture, literacy, and language of the learners served Uses various educational strategies to meet the needs of the learners Promotes anticipatory thinking in learners to identify future needs of patients Creates opportunities for feedback and evaluation of the effectiveness of the educational content, teaching strategies, and learning environment

6.  Evaluation Competencies (ANPD Standard 6)

Uses valid, reliable and relevant methods and instruments to measure processes and outcomes Involves learners and stakeholders in the evaluation process Documents the results of the evaluation Disseminates the evaluation results of learning activities

7. Ethics Competencies (ANPD Standard 7) 

Incorporates the ANA Code of Ethics for Nurses, Nursing professional Development: Scope and Standards of practice, and other relevant standards, guidelines, benchmarks regulations, and laws to guide practice Protects the autonomy, dignity, confidentiality and rights of all individuals involved in the learning process Performs role in a nonjudgmental, nondiscriminatory and ethical manner that is sensitive to learner diversity Educates learners and stakeholders concerning rights, responsibilities, and accountability involved in the collection, assess, use, and exchange of protected information Maintains procedures for monitoring the integrity of educational activities including screening for potential or actual unethical behaviors, commercial bias, compromise of intellectual property rights or conflict of interest Reports behaviors that are illegal, unethical, inconsistent with practice standards or reflective of impaired practice Documents that the requirements of the accrediting bodies are consistently followed by reporting relevant issues and information to the respective bodies

8. Education Competencies (ANPD Standard 8)

Participates in educational activities related to NPD specialty Acquires knowledge and skills appropriate to the specialty area, practice setting, role and learner diversity Seeks experiences to develop, maintain, an improve competencies in nursing professional development Uses reflective practice and inquiry to identify personal learning needs Uses current research findings and other evidence to expand knowledge, enhance role performance, and increase knowledge of professional issues

9. Evidence Based Practice and Research Competencies (ANPD Standard 9)

Uses the best available evidence to guide practice decisions Creates a supportive environment for nursing research, scientific inquiry, quality improvement and evidence based practice Supports research activities that align with the organizational strategic plan Participates in research activities at various levels appropriate to the NPD practitioners education and role Participates in quality initiatives Disseminates research findings through educational programs, courses and other activities

10. Quality of Nursing Professional Development Competencies (ANPD Standard 10)

Applies the educational process in a responsible, accountable and ethical manner Uses creativity and innovation to improve the quality of the learning experience

11. Change Agent Competencies (ANPD Standard 11)

Introduces and supports new ideas Works with others to identify problems and solutions Embraces meaningful change Applies improvement processes to effect practice change Communicates vision for change Identifies and addresses barriers to change Exhibits creativity and flexibility through times of change Monitors the effectiveness and progress throughout the change process Assists in the implementation of change strategies Sustains change at the clinical unit and departmental system level

12. Leadership Competencies (ANPD Standard 11)

Creates and maintains a healthy work environment in educational and practice settings Demonstrates emotional intelligence in decision making Demonstrates energy, excitement, and a passion for quality work Supports a culture of innovation and risk taking Supports a just culture Promotes the professional development program’s mission, goals, action plans, and outcome measures Maintains records to comply with regulatory bodies’ standards

13. Collaboration Competencies (ANPD Standard 13)

Communicates with healthcare personnel and stakeholders regarding educational programs and activities Partners with others to effect change and generate positive outcomes Collaborates with others in the planning and implementation for lifelong learning activities for individuals and groups of learners

14. Professional Practice Evaluation Competencies (ANPD Standard 14)

Participates in reflection on personal values and beliefs and their impact on performance Seeks feedback regarding personal practice form learners, Interprofessional colleagues, peers, supervisors and others as appropriate Applies current standards, guidelines and relevant rules and regulations Interacts with peers and colleagues to enhance personal practice and role performance Evaluates personal performance on a regular basis, identifying areas of strength and areas for needed professional development Takes action to achieve goals identified during the professional practice evaluation process

16. Mentorship/Advancing the Profession Competencies (ANPD Standard 16)

Describes NPD as a specialty Shares knowledge and skills with others through activities (presentations, conferences, and professional organizations) Fosters ongoing professional growth experiences for nurses and others Promotes a culture of lifelong learning Interacts with others to enhance professional nursing, professional development practice, and role performance Participates in organizational committees and or shared governance councils Supports excellence recognition initiatives Mentors colleagues, other nurses, students, and others as appropriate

EDUCATION:

Graduate of an accredited baccalaureate nursing program required

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS REQUIRED:

• Licensed to practice professional nursing as a registered nurse in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts required.
• Certification in practice area and/or specialty.
• Basic Life Support certification required. BCLS/ACLS instructor certification highly desired.

EXPERIENCE:

• At least 5 years of progressively responsible duties in clinical nursing practice required.
• Demonstrated ability to apply principles of adult learning required. Previous teaching experience strongly preferred.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

• Expert in clinical area. Analytical ability to solve clinical nursing issues and conduct quality improvement/ research projects. Advanced interpersonal and writing skills in order to develop and conduct educational programs, presentations, communicate with interdisciplinary team and perform leadership responsibilities. Basic computer proficiency inclusive of ability to access and enter data from computerized information systems.
• Excellent organizational skills, including ability to multitask and prioritize
• Ability to effectively supervise and evaluate the clinical competence of probationary employees
• Effective written and verbal communication skills in English required, bilingual or multilingual skills (beyond that of English) appropriate to the patient population served is a plus
• Physical ability to meet the core job responsibilities in accordance with practice setting demands for the patient populations regularly served
• Ability to manage frequent stress due to critical patient issues, changing organizational climate and personal issues.

NursingCC

Equal Opportunity Employer/Disabled/Veterans