Nursing professional development (NPD) week, this year happening Sept. 14-20, spotlights the valuable role NPDs play across health systems and educational institutions. It’s also the perfect time of year to welcome interested nurses into the specialty. We asked a few seasoned NPD professionals for their best pieces of advice for those new to the specialty. We hope you find their words helpful and applicable, and that you share with a nurse you know is curious about the NPD journey.

What is your advice for NPD practitioners new to the specialty or looking to gain their footing?

Omar Ali, MA, MSN, RN, NPD-BC, Nursing Staff Development Coordinator, Eskenazi Health

Identifying a mentor vested in your success is the single most important action you can take as a new NPD practitioner. The ability to develop and maintain strong relationships is key to success in the new role.

Lyndsay Goss, DNP, RN, CNE, NPD-BC, Director of Continuing Professional Development, Nursing/Adjunct Faculty, Southern New Hampshire University

New NPD practitioners should seek mentorship and networking opportunities within your organization and/or the broader NPD community. Being proactive will help you apply best practices and incorporate innovative approaches into NPD.

Jennifer C. Lewis, MSN, RN, NPD-BC, Director of Professional Development & Practice, AHC Shady Grove Medical Center

The first and most important thing a new NPD practitioner must do is build relationships with the leadership and staff of the department(s) they are serving. Trust is a key element for developing your new role as it will establish an environment for you to learn and grow, and to develop others. Use your listening skills well and ask questions to demonstrate to others you are present for them.

Jennifer Sorensen, MS, RN, NPD-BC, Nursing Professional Development Specialist (NPDS), Education, Professional Development & Research

The key to not becoming overwhelmed as a new NPD is to have a process, use your resources, and have a preceptor and mentor to help guide you! Take things one task at a time using the NPD practice model to guide you. You will wear many hats (learning facilitator, change agent, leader, mentor, champion for inquiry, advocate for the NPD specialty, or partner for practice transition) to address and close gaps of your learners to meet the needs of your organization. Consistently scan your environment to determine and prioritize what the gap is for your learners. You then decide which of your responsibilities (education, competency management, onboarding, inquiry, collaborative partnerships, or role development) are needed to transform the identified learners’ needs. This will ultimately lead to the learner’s professional growth which improves the optimal health of the general public. 

Sheila St. Cyr, MS, RN, NPD-BC, Chair, Nominating Committee and Immediate Past President, ANPD

If you are not given a mentor, seek one out to help guide and coach you. Join ANPD and review all of the resources available to help you grow in your role, such as “Getting Started in NPD.” Once you join ANPD, be sure to check out the ANPD Neighborhood, an online community platform where you can connect with over 8,000 NPD practitioners and PD associates.

What is one thing you wish you knew when you were just starting out as an NPD practitioner?

Omar Ali, MA, MSN, RN, NPD-BC

I wish I knew that education is often not the answer. Thorough environmental scanning and a needs assessment is essential when distinguishing knowledge gaps from performance issues.

Lyndsay Goss, DNP, RN, CNE, NPD-BC

Early on as an NPD practitioner, I wish I had known the importance of building strong interprofessional relationships. Collaboration across departments enhances the effectiveness of educational programs leading to better achievement of learning outcomes.

Jennifer C. Lewis, MSN, RN, NPD-BC

I wish I had known the true scope of the role. There is so much more than teaching as an NPD practitioner. You will need all your knowledge, skills, expertise, and wisdom to fulfill the expanse of roles and responsibilities you now have. Find a mentor to help you learn and grow.

Jennifer Sorensen, MS, RN, NPD-BC

I wish someone told me where to find my resources and to use a process. I remember getting information from many stakeholders and not really knowing what to do with the information. I had to ask other NPDs for guidance, which is fine; however, having resources and a process would have helped increase my confidence and provide structure to the role.

Sheila St. Cyr, MS, RN, NPD-B

Having worked in NPD for more than 25 years and being at a different stage in my life, the one item I wish I knew is that I was not going to get it all done in one day. Believe me, I tried, because I wanted to excel in my role. In trying, I faced frustrations and missed out on some other aspects in my life. Once I was able to better prioritize and manage my time, I had better work/life balance, I was a much happier person, and a better NPD practitioner. And the other item I wish I had known was the existence of ANPD (then NNSDO).  The association has so many great resources and wonderful community who share so willingly with those who have questions.

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ANPD’s ongoing mission is to support new and experienced NPD practitioners in all aspects of their roles. For further connection and learning, explore these resources:

• Resources for NPD Practitioners
• The NPD Practice Model
• Continuing Education Center
• NPD Forecast
• The Neighborhood
• ANPD Membership