Clinical Professional Development Specialist

UPMC Western Maryland is seeking a Clinical Professional Development Specialist to support the Professional Development Department, focusing on the ICU Unit. Previous experience in ICU, ED, or PACU is highly preferred.

About the role

This position provides hands-on, real-time education and support directly on the unit, working side by side with nurses to strengthen skills, confidence, and outcomes. It is ideal for a critical care nurse who enjoys teaching, mentoring, and being a visible resource for staff. Candidates will be placed appropriately based on education and experience, with plenty of opportunity for growth through the newly enhanced career ladder.

Schedule

Monday–Friday, dayshift. Some flexibility for other shifts may be needed, but no weekends or holidays.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain productive working relationships internally and externally by building teams and fostering positive communication with frontline clinical staff.
• Convey information and ideas clearly through various media to engage audiences and ensure understanding and retention.
• Serve as a formal and informal mentor for new clinical staff and new preceptors to ensure their success.
• Oversee unit-based onboarding and orientation.
• Teach staff how to manage patient care, including assessment, interdisciplinary planning, implementation, evaluation, teaching, and discharge planning.
• Identify, communicate, and respond to the learning needs of clinical staff.
• Act as a resource and consultant for patients, nursing staff, and other disciplines in the specialty area.
• Promote patient education needs for frontline clinical staff.
• Participate in department-based Performance Improvement projects.
• Engage in professional and community organizations.
• Develop professional coaching and feedback skills to support and validate UPMC Experience initiatives (e.g., Bedside Shift Report, Hourly Rounding, AIDET).
• Provide training and education to clinical staff during non-traditional work hours as needed.
• Perform duties in accordance with system-wide competencies and behaviors.
• Complete other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of 2 years of clinical experience.
• Relevant teaching experience preferred.

Qualifications

• CPR certification required (AHA standards, including didactic and skills demonstration) within 30 days of hire.
• UPMC-approved certification preferred.