General Summary of Position
Accountable for ensuring the professional development of associates within the Department of Nursing/Patient Care Services. Provides leadership for the team of Nursing Professional Development Specialists/Nurse Educators as they function within the roles of educator, change agent, consultant, evidence-based practitioner, and leader. Oversees the assessment, planning, development, implementation and evaluation of learning and development programs that enhance associates' performance, promote professional development or otherwise support the mission, vision and SPIRIT Values of MedStar Health and the Department of Nursing. In conjunction with executive leadership, nursing practice, and informatics develops and supports educational programs which foster the professional development of clinical personnel; guides and recommends development of best practices with Patient Care Service departments; and assists department leaders in the development of department initiatives in the areas of staff development, education, and compliance with external regulatory and accreditation standards.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
Assumes leadership for the planning, development, execution and evaluation of the MedStar Health nursing professional development and educational program. Assesses learning needs through formal and informal approaches to data collection to determine educational gaps and priorities to meet the learning needs of associates. Applies teaching techniques that promote critical thinking and evidence-based practice incorporating principles of adult learning theory.Develops department goals, objectives, policies, and procedures. Ensures adherence to MedStar Health and entity/business unit policies, procedures, standards/guidelines and those of regulatory and accreditation agencies; takes corrective action when deficiencies occur. Collaborates with nurse leaders and other department heads, including nursing practice and informatics, in addressing priorities and implementation of effective educational/training programs.Plans the conduct of orientation programs for new personnel to facilitate a new associate's transition to the MedStar practice environment and meet competency assessment requirements in conformance with departmental objectives, regulatory requirements, and accreditation standards. Provides oversight to the unit-based orientation of associates new to the department of nursing and/or entity. Supports transition to practice for newly licensed nurses using the MedStar New to Practice Nurse Residency Program model.Provides expertise for competency development, assessment and management across the department of nursing. Sets the standard and plans, and regularly conducts, competency validation programs for nursing department associates. Provides documentation of participation and level of success during competency and educational programs.Plans and implements continuing/ongoing education activities to expand current knowledge and where appropriate acquire and maintain certification using provider unit/interprofessional joint accreditation program and other resources. Conducts educational activities that inform, teach, and facilitate adoption of new procedures, technologies, equipment, and patient care trends with continuing education credits where appropriate. Facilitate the offering of clinical nursing specialty certification review programs.Develops evaluation plans and applies evidence-based evaluation models to determine the effectiveness of educational activities and learning programs. Involves learners and team members in the evaluation process. Disseminates the evaluation results of the learning activities and revises learning programs based on objective evaluation data.Develops and recommends department operating budget and manages resources according to approved budget.Selects, trains, orients, supervises, and assigns department staff. Develops standards of performance and evaluates performance of subordinates by regularly conducting performance management reviews. Initiates or recommends counseling and/or corrective action for personnel. Maintains ongoing communication with subordinates to review programs, provide feedback, discuss new developments, and exchange information.Creates a professional practice atmosphere and an environment of coaching, development, and cooperation by serving on committees and as a liaison between the department of nursing, external agencies/associations and professional and technical nursing educational institutions and faculty. Establishes collaborative relationships between practice and academia with targeted regional and national nursing programs. Supports the clinical student placements at the respective entity in collaboration with other nurse leaders.Supports Medstar Health System Nursing goal of achieving eighty percent (80%) baccalaureate-prepared nursing workforce. Serves as an advisor to fellow nurse leaders on academic progression of nurses. Collaborates with other nurse leaders on securing grant funds that support the ongoing professional development and academic progression of the MedStar Health nurses. Supports collaborative governance structure and promotes Magnet Recognition and/or Pathway to Excellence standards through daily practice and in support of the MedStar Health entity goals.Maintains knowledge of current trends and developments in the fields of nursing, clinical instruction, and nursing education through a variety of professional activities including, but not limited to, reading the appropriate literature and attending related seminars and conferences. Demonstrates accountability for own professional development and advancement.Assumes other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
Education- Master's degree in Nursing required or
- Nursing Education from a nationally accredited nursing program required
Experience- 3-4 years Progressively more responsible roles in nursing required and
- Experience in nursing education or professional development. leadership or supervisory experience preferred
Licenses and Certifications- A license as a registered nurse in the State of Maryland or District of Columbia required and
- Certification in Nursing Professional Development preferred or
- Nursing Education from a nationally recognized nursing organization preferred and
- Nursing Professional Development required or
- Nurse Educator certification required within 24 months of hire required and
- BLS required
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities- Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to exercise independent judgment.
- Business acumen and leadership skills.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills with ability to effectively interact with all levels of management, internal departments and external agencies.
- Working knowledge of various computer software applications.
- The work requires identifying and resolving complex problems, such as developing innovative solutions based on extensive cross-functional knowledge of the various MedStar Health entities.
- Work assignments are generally received in the form of broad goals for area(s) of responsibility and require considerable judgment regarding the interpretation of policies, development of procedures, and selection of appropriate courses of action.
Why MedStar Health?
At MedStar Health, we understand that our ability to treat others well begins with how we treat each other. We work hard to foster an inclusive and positive environment where our associates feel valued, connected, and empowered. We live up to this promise through:
- Strong emphasis on teamwork - our associates feel connected to each other and our mission as an organization. In return, our effective team environment generates positive patient outcomes and high associate satisfaction ratings that exceed the national benchmark.
- Strategic focus on equity, inclusion, & diversity - we are committed to equity for all people and communities. We continue to build a diverse and inclusive workplace where people feel a sense of belonging and the ability to contribute to equitable care delivery and improved community health outcomes at all levels of the organization.
- Comprehensive total rewards package - including competitive pay, generous paid time off, great health and wellness benefits, retirement savings, education assistance, and so much more.
- More career opportunities closer to home - as the largest healthcare provider in the Baltimore-Washington, D.C. region, there are countless opportunities to grow your career and fulfill your aspirations.
About MedStar Health
MedStar Health is dedicated to providing the highest quality care for people in Maryland and the Washington, D.C., region, while advancing the practice of medicine through education, innovation, and research. Our team of 32,000 includes physicians, nurses, residents, fellows, and many other clinical and non-clinical associates working in a variety of settings across our health system, including 10 hospitals and more than 300 community-based locations, the largest home health provider in the region, and highly respected institutes dedicated to research and innovation. As the medical education and clinical partner of Georgetown University for more than 20 years, MedStar Health is dedicated not only to teaching the next generation of doctors, but also to the continuing education, professional development, and personal fulfillment of our whole team. Together, we use the best of our minds and the best of our hearts to serve our patients, those who care for them, and our communities. It's how we treat people.
MedStar Health is an Equal Opportunity (EO) Employer and assures equal opportunity for all applicants and employees. We hire people to work in different locations, and we comply with the federal, state and local laws governing each of those locations. MedStar Health makes all decisions regarding employment, including for example, hiring, transfer, promotion, compensation, benefit eligibility, discipline, and discharge without regard to any protected status, including race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship status, sex, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, political affiliations, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local EO laws. If you receive an offer of employment, it is MedStar Health's policy to hire its employees on an at-will basis, which means you or MedStar Health may terminate this relationship at any time, for any reason.
