Job Description

SUMMARY: The Nursing Professional Development (NPD) Leader advances La Rabida’s mission by designing, implementing, and evaluating evidence-based educational programs that strengthen nursing competency and support exceptional, family-centered care for children with complex medical conditions. This role leads orientation, onboarding, and ongoing professional development to ensure nurses are prepared to deliver safe, interdisciplinary care across the continuum of services provided to children with chronic illness, disabilities, or trauma histories. Serving as a clinical and educational expert, the NPD Leader applies the roles of advisor, facilitator, mentor, collaborator, and change agent to promote evidence-based practice, quality outcomes, and a culture of continuous learning. Educational initiatives reflect organizational values, current healthcare trends, and La Rabida’s commitment to providing care regardless of a family’s ability to pay. Leveraging expertise in pediatric critical care nursing, the NPD Leader uses diverse teaching methods and partners closely with the Education Administrative Assistant, Inpatient Operations Leadership, and Administrative Nurse Coordinators to guide and support the professional development of nursing staff.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Lead Evidence-Based Education & Professional Development

· Develop, implement, and evaluate evidence-based educational programs that support high-quality care for children with chronic illness, disabilities, and trauma histories.

· Ensure training reflects current healthcare trends and promotes clinical excellence.

2. Coordinate Orientation & Ongoing Competency Development

· Design and manage the orientation/onboarding process for new nurses to prepare them for caring for medically complex pediatric patients.

· Assess, maintain, and document ongoing staff competency across inpatient and outpatient programs.

3. Promote a Culture of Safety & Quality

· Lead and support staff training in essential safety initiatives (e.g., infection control, emergency preparedness, PALS, CPR).

· Facilitate initiatives that support La Rabida’s commitment to providing safe, family-centered care for children with complex needs.

4. Serve as a Clinical & Educational Resource

· Provide expertise in pediatric critical care nursing to guide evidence-based practice and clinical decision-making.

· Serve as advisor, mentor, facilitator, change agent, and consultant to nursing staff and interprofessional partners.

5. Strengthen Interdisciplinary Collaboration

· Partner with nursing leadership, therapists, physicians, social workers, and other team members to support integrated care for children with medical complex conditions.

· Collaborate closely with the Education Administrative Assistant, Inpatient Operations leadership, and other nursing leaders to coordinate educational priorities.

6. Support Knowledge Generation & Evidence-Based Practice

· Promote the use of research and evidence to improve patient care outcomes and advance professional development.

· Encourage dissemination of new knowledge within the nursing staff and broader healthcare team.

7. Evaluate Outcomes & Drive Continuous Improvement

· Measure the effectiveness of educational programs and adjust strategies based on quality, safety, and competency needs.

· Monitor trends in nursing performance, patient outcomes, and staff engagement to guide ongoing improvement.

8. Maintains required job skills and professional competencies:

· Member of professional organizations.

· Attends a minimum of six non-required education sessions per year.

· Attends required educational sessions.

Qualifications

Education: A graduate of an approved school of professional nursing required. Masters prepared required.

Related Work Experience: PALS and PICU experience required. Clinical Educator experience required.

Licensure/Certification: Currently licensed as a professional nurse in the State of Illinois required.

Demonstrates knowledge and expertise in pediatric nursing. Currently holds a specialty nursing certification.

Specialized Knowledge and Skills: Can function as an exceptional role model to staff. Is familiar with policies of regulatory agencies: JCAHO, Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), Illinois Nurse Practice Act, Occupational Safety Health Administration (OSHA). Is able to establish priorities and possesses independent decision-making capabilities.

CPR required: Only certifications issued by the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross will be accepted.

Additional Information

La Rabida Children’s Hospital is very proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer

La Rabida is a place unlike any other. We understand the needs of families with children dealing with the most serious or complicated of conditions. With teams of the best healthcare providers in Chicago, we give continuous, comprehensive care, education, and support, helping families face their unique obstacles head-on.

La Rabida Children’s Hospital is very proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.