Nursing Professional Development Practitioner - Texas Behavioral Health Center

Job Description - Nursing Professional Development Practitioner - Texas Behavioral Health Center )

Nursing Professional Development (NPD) Practitioner is an umbrella term that includes graduate‑prepared nurses with or without certification in Nursing Professional Development (NPD). NPD practitioner competencies are outlined in the Nursing Professional Development:
Scope & Standards of Practice (current edition). The practitioner uses and/or develops tools, theories, skills and knowledge of NPD to improve the practice of nursing and other healthcare staff that care for University Hospital/Clinic patients, working under the supervision of the Clinical Education Professional Development (CEPD) Education Manager.

• NPD practitioner functions in the following roles:
  • Learning facilitator: uses the educational design process to bridge the knowledge, skills, and/or practice gaps identified through needs assessment.
  • Change agent: actively works to transform processes at micro-, meso-, and macrosystem levels using project management and improvement processes.
  • Mentor: contributes to the professional development of others and supports lifelong professional development.
  • Leader: influences interprofessional practice and learning environments, the NPD specialty, the profession of nursing, and healthcare.
  • Champion for scientific inquiry: promotes the generation and dissemination of new knowledge and use of evidence to advance NPD practice, guide clinical practice, and improve patient care.
  • Advocate for NPD specialty: supports, promotes, and demonstrates nursing professional development as a nursing practice specialty.
  • Partner for practice transitions: supports the transition of nurses and other healthcare team members across learning and practice environments, roles, and professional stages.
• Uses the educational design process:
  • Assesses practice gaps
  • Identifies learning needs
  • Develops expected outcomes that reflect competence, learning, and change
  • Plans educational activities in accordance with best practice evidence
  • Implements planned educational activities facilitating positive learning and practice environments
  • Evaluates educational activities using valid, reliable, and relevant methods
• NPD practitioner is responsible for orientation/onboarding, competency management, education, professional role development, research/evidence‑based practice/quality improvement, and collaborative partnerships.
• Performs other duties as assigned, including:
• Nurse Planner: supports the delivery of Nursing Continuing Professional Development (NCPD) and is part of the UT Southwestern Medical Center Accredited Provider Unit (PU).
• Assesses learners' needs and plans, implements, and evaluates NCPD activities in accordance with ANCC criteria.

• Education – Master’s Degree in a related field within 3 years of hire.
• Experience – 3 years of directly related experience, preferably in a hospital or clinic setting; internal candidates without a Master’s degree may be considered with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and five years of directly related experience (inclusive of 2 years at UT Southwestern); external candidates with a BSN may be considered with significant directly related experience exceeding the minimum requirements for internal candidates.
• Licenses and Certifications – (RN) REGISTERED NURSE, licensure by the Texas Board of Nursing upon hire; (BLS) BASIC LIFE SUPPORT course accredited by the American Heart Association (AHA) or American Red Cross (ARC), upon hire;
  Certification in Nursing Professional Development within 1½ years.

• One year psych experience (outside residency).
• Two years nurse educator experience.
• Professional development specialist experience.

• Self‑directed and able to organize and manage multiple tasks/projects simultaneously.
• High level of effective written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Interdisciplinary collaboration with nursing, physicians, and allied health professionals to develop evidence‑based education.

• Physical Demands – Talking.
• Wo…