Nursing Professional Development Specialist Jobs
Nursing Professional Development Specialist jobs are open across hospitals, health systems, long-term care, and academic medical centers, from staff-level to manager, with specializations in clinical education, onboarding and orientation, and competency assessment. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 55+ Nursing Professional Development Specialist jobs
Join a team that shares your calling
At MultiCare, you’re more than just a job title — you’re part of a team built on trust that cares for each other, our patients and our communities. Belonging here means living our mission and values every day. If your purpose and passions align with ours, you’ll find a place to grow, do meaningful work and build a career you love in a community that feels like home.
FTE: 0.9, Shift: Day, Schedule: Day
Position Summary
The Nursing Professional Development Specialist – Unit Based will have responsibility for operationalizing tools, theories, skills and knowledge of nursing professional development to improve the evidence-based practice of nursing staff on the assigned unit/department(s). The incumbent will practice in the position of NPD Specialist by assuming the following role(s) as needed to demonstrate competent practice as outlined by the Association of Nursing Professional Development: learning facilitator, change agent, mentor, leader, champion for scientific inquiry, advocate for NPD specialty and partner for practice transitions. This position operates under the direction of their assigned manager. Work situations are varied with an emphasis on Assessment of Practice Gaps/Root Cause Analysis, Identification of Learning Needs, Outcomes Identification, Planning, Implementation, Coordination, Facilitation of Positive Learning and Practice Environments, Consultation, Evaluation, Ethics, Education, Evidence-based Practice (EBP) and Research, Quality of Nursing Professional Development Practice, Change Management, Leadership, Collaboration, Professional Practice Evaluation, Resource Utilization, Mentorship/Advancing the Profession, Customer Relations, Standardization, Communication, Organization, Prioritization, Flexibility and Creativity as it relates to Onboarding/Orientation, Competency Management, Continuing Education, Role Development, Collaborative Partnerships and Evidence-Based Practice, Research and Quality. This position will collaborate significantly with Program Managers within the Center for Clinical Education & Professional Practice Development, as well as, Clinical Operational Managers, and Directors, and Unit-Based NPD S/G.Requirements
- Master’s degree in Nursing
- PhD in Nursing, DNP, or ARNP preferred
- Registered Nurse license (RN) in Washington State or multi-state licensure endorsement (MSL)
- ANCC NPD specialty certification preferred; if not in possession at time of hire, must acquire within two (2) years of hire
- Minimum four (4) years of acute care nursing practice
- Minimum three (3) year Program management experience within an education role preferred
- Minimum three (3) years previous experience as unit educator, system educator, NPD Specialist/Generalist preferred
About Deaconess Hospital
Founded in 1896, MultiCare Deaconess Hospital is a 388-bed acute-care hospital serving the greater Spokane region. Deaconess is home to a Level III Trauma Center, Certified Chest Pain Center, Primary Stroke Center, Maternal Fetal Medicine program and a Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. It is the only hospital in the area with national accreditation in bariatric surgery. Deaconess provides high-quality inpatient, outpatient, surgical, diagnostic and emergency services.
About the Spokane Community
Spokane, in eastern Washington along the Spokane River and near the Selkirk Mountains, offers a vibrant city experience with endless access to outdoor adventure. Residents enjoy lakes, rivers, ski resorts, golf courses, wineries, and nearby national parks, combined with a thriving arts and culture scene. Spokane delivers the perfect balance of city living and Pacific Northwest recreation year-round.
Why MultiCare?
Rooted in the local community
Partnering with patients, families and neighbors across the Pacific Northwest for more than 140 years.
Growth and education
Competitive tuition assistance, award-winning residencies, fellowships and career development to invest in you.
Well-being and support
Generous PTO, Code Lavender and Employee Assistance Programs to help you maintain balance and feel cared in your work and life.
Living our values
Respect, integrity, kindness and collaboration guide how we care for patients, communities and each other.
Belonging for all
Resource Groups and outreach programs help ensure every team member feels safe, seen, heard and valued.
Pacific Northwest lifestyle
Work and live where natural beauty, adventure and strong community connections are part of everyday life.
Pay and Benefit Expectations
We provide a comprehensive benefits package, including competitive salary, medical, dental and retirement benefits and paid time off. As required by various pay transparency laws, we share a competitive range of compensation for candidates hired into each position. The pay scale is $109,006.56 - $177,821.28 USD. However, pay is influenced by factors specific to applicants, including but not limited to: skill set, level of experience, and certification(s) and/or education. If this position is associated with a union contract, pay will be reflective of the appropriate step on the pay scale to which the applicant’s years of experience align.Associated benefit information can be viewed here.
Join a team that shares your calling
At MultiCare, you’re more than just a job title — you’re part of a team built on trust that cares for each other, our patients and our communities. Belonging here means living our mission and values every day. If your purpose and passions align with ours, you’ll find a place to grow, do meaningful work and build a career you love in a community that feels like home.
FTE: 0.9, Shift: Day, Schedule: Day
Position Summary
The Nursing Professional Development Specialist – Unit Based will have responsibility for operationalizing tools, theories, skills and knowledge of nursing professional development to improve the evidence-based practice of nursing staff on the assigned unit/department(s). The incumbent will practice in the position of NPD Specialist by assuming the following role(s) as needed to demonstrate competent practice as outlined by the Association of Nursing Professional Development: learning facilitator, change agent, mentor, leader, champion for scientific inquiry, advocate for NPD specialty and partner for practice transitions. This position operates under the direction of their assigned manager. Work situations are varied with an emphasis on Assessment of Practice Gaps/Root Cause Analysis, Identification of Learning Needs, Outcomes Identification, Planning, Implementation, Coordination, Facilitation of Positive Learning and Practice Environments, Consultation, Evaluation, Ethics, Education, Evidence-based Practice (EBP) and Research, Quality of Nursing Professional Development Practice, Change Management, Leadership, Collaboration, Professional Practice Evaluation, Resource Utilization, Mentorship/Advancing the Profession, Customer Relations, Standardization, Communication, Organization, Prioritization, Flexibility and Creativity as it relates to Onboarding/Orientation, Competency Management, Continuing Education, Role Development, Collaborative Partnerships and Evidence-Based Practice, Research and Quality. This position will collaborate significantly with Program Managers within the Center for Clinical Education & Professional Practice Development, as well as, Clinical Operational Managers, and Directors, and Unit-Based NPD S/G.Requirements
- Master’s degree in Nursing
- PhD in Nursing, DNP, or ARNP preferred
- Registered Nurse license (RN) in Washington State or multi-state licensure endorsement (MSL)
- ANCC NPD specialty certification preferred; if not in possession at time of hire, must acquire within two (2) years of hire
- Minimum four (4) years of acute care nursing practice
- Minimum three (3) year Program management experience within an education role preferred
- Minimum three (3) years previous experience as unit educator, system educator, NPD Specialist/Generalist preferred
About Deaconess Hospital
Founded in 1896, MultiCare Deaconess Hospital is a 388-bed acute-care hospital serving the greater Spokane region. Deaconess is home to a Level III Trauma Center, Certified Chest Pain Center, Primary Stroke Center, Maternal Fetal Medicine program and a Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. It is the only hospital in the area with national accreditation in bariatric surgery. Deaconess provides high-quality inpatient, outpatient, surgical, diagnostic and emergency services.
About the Spokane Community
Spokane, in eastern Washington along the Spokane River and near the Selkirk Mountains, offers a vibrant city experience with endless access to outdoor adventure. Residents enjoy lakes, rivers, ski resorts, golf courses, wineries, and nearby national parks, combined with a thriving arts and culture scene. Spokane delivers the perfect balance of city living and Pacific Northwest recreation year-round.
Why MultiCare?
Rooted in the local community
Partnering with patients, families and neighbors across the Pacific Northwest for more than 140 years.
Growth and education
Competitive tuition assistance, award-winning residencies, fellowships and career development to invest in you.
Well-being and support
Generous PTO, Code Lavender and Employee Assistance Programs to help you maintain balance and feel cared in your work and life.
Living our values
Respect, integrity, kindness and collaboration guide how we care for patients, communities and each other.
Belonging for all
Resource Groups and outreach programs help ensure every team member feels safe, seen, heard and valued.
Pacific Northwest lifestyle
Work and live where natural beauty, adventure and strong community connections are part of everyday life.
Pay and Benefit Expectations
We provide a comprehensive benefits package, including competitive salary, medical, dental and retirement benefits and paid time off. As required by various pay transparency laws, we share a competitive range of compensation for candidates hired into each position. The pay scale is $109,006.56 - $177,821.28 USD. However, pay is influenced by factors specific to applicants, including but not limited to: skill set, level of experience, and certification(s) and/or education. If this position is associated with a union contract, pay will be reflective of the appropriate step on the pay scale to which the applicant’s years of experience align.Associated benefit information can be viewed here.
See All 55 Nursing Professional Development Specialist Jobs
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Find JobsNursing Professional Development Specialist Job Market
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in nursing professional development specialist jobs.
- Active registered nurse license with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing or higher
- Minimum two to three years of recent direct patient care clinical experience
- NPD-BC certification from the American Nurses Credentialing Center preferred or required
- Experience designing and facilitating adult learning programs or clinical competency assessments
- Proficiency with learning management systems and electronic health record platforms
- Strong verbal and written communication skills for delivering presentations to interdisciplinary teams
Tips for Your Nursing Professional Development Specialist Job Search
Align your resume to NPD scope
Hiring managers look for evidence you've designed and delivered education at the unit or system level, not just attended training. Quantify programs you built, cohorts you onboarded, and competency assessments you led rather than listing general nursing experience.
Highlight your ANPD certification status
Many postings explicitly require or prefer the NPD-BC credential. If you're board-certified, place it next to your name on the resume header. If you're eligible but haven't sat for the exam, note your eligibility date so recruiters don't screen you out prematurely.
Target postings by clinical specialty match
NPD specialists hired into an ICU or oncology unit are expected to have direct care experience in that area. Filter openings by the clinical population you know best so your background maps directly to the unit's education needs and your application clears the first screen.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists nursing professional development specialist openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Prepare a teaching demonstration sample
Many NPD interviews include a teaching demo or ask you to bring an example of a learning module, competency checklist, or in-service you created. Have a de-identified sample ready before your first interview so you're not scrambling when the request comes.
Negotiate scope before accepting an offer
Before you accept, clarify whether the role is unit-based or system-wide, how many FTEs you support, and whether you'll carry a clinical assignment alongside education duties. These factors affect workload significantly and rarely appear in the posting.
Nursing Professional Development Specialist Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most nursing professional development specialists?
The companies hiring the most nursing professional development specialists right now include Cleveland Clinic, Advocate Aurora Health, and Yale New Haven Health, with the largest share of openings in Connecticut, Maryland, and Florida, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Large health systems and academic medical centers tend to post the highest volume of these roles.
How many nursing professional development specialist jobs are remote?
About 17% of nursing professional development specialist openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, though the majority of roles require on-site presence for clinical teaching and skills validation. Sub-areas like curriculum development, e-learning design, and system-level policy education tend to offer the most schedule flexibility.
How do you become a nursing professional development specialist?
Start by earning your RN license and a BSN, then build several years of direct patient care experience in a clinical specialty. Move into charge, preceptor, or unit-based educator roles to establish a teaching record. Pursue the NPD-BC credential through the American Nurses Credentialing Center once you meet eligibility requirements, and document every education program, orientation cohort, or competency project you lead.
Can you get hired as a nursing professional development specialist without prior education experience?
Strong clinical experience can offset limited formal education experience if you frame your background around teaching moments you've led, such as precepting new graduates, training staff on updated protocols, or presenting at unit in-services. Applying to staff or coordinator-level NPD roles at community hospitals rather than large academic systems gives you a better entry point when your education portfolio is still building.
What does the nursing professional development specialist interview process look like?
Most processes include a phone screen with HR, a panel interview with nurse leaders and existing NPD staff, and a teaching demonstration where you present a short lesson or walk through an education artifact you created. Some employers add a writing sample review or ask you to critique an existing competency assessment. The full process typically runs across two or three rounds before an offer is extended.
Where can I find and apply to nursing professional development specialist jobs?
You can find and apply to nursing professional development specialist jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from across the United States. Find roles that match your clinical background and education experience, then apply directly to each listing from the page.
See All 55 Nursing Professional Development Specialist Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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