Director of Professional Practice

A leading nonprofit healthcare system in Fairfield County is seeking a Director of Nursing Professional Practice to provide strategic leadership for Magnet designation, shared governance, nursing quality, professional development, and evidence-based practice. Reporting directly to the Chief Nursing Officer and serving as a member of the Nursing Leadership Team, the Director will engage nurses across the organization in advancing clinical excellence, strengthening professional practice, supporting nursing research, and improving patient outcomes. Key Responsibilities:Lead and coordinate the ANCC Magnet application, designation, and redesignation process.Develop and maintain Magnet readiness timelines, documentation, evidence, and submission requirements.Serve as the organization’s primary resource for interpretation of Magnet standards.Maintain communication with the ANCC Magnet liaison and communicate program updates to nursing leadership.Coordinate Magnet site-visit education, preparation, scheduling, and logistics.Oversee Shared Governance councils, committees, and annual goals.Strengthen communication and collaboration among Nursing Practice Councils and Unit-Based Councils.Develop and support a network of Magnet Nurse Champions.Lead NDNQI data entry, dissemination, and analysis.Monitor nursing-sensitive indicators and identify opportunities for performance improvement.Evaluate the effectiveness of nursing quality improvement strategies.Coordinate nursing satisfaction surveys and the annual Magnet Interim Report.Develop Magnet-related education, presentations, and professional development materials.Mentor nurses and nursing leaders in Shared Governance, evidence-based practice, and professional development.Support compliance with regulatory, accreditation, and nursing practice standards.Develop and monitor the Magnet program budget.Provide regular updates to senior nursing leadership.Perform other related duties as assigned. Required Qualifications:Bachelor of Science in Nursing required.Master of Science in Nursing or a related healthcare field required.Current Connecticut Registered Nurse license in good standing.At least five years of clinical nursing and/or nursing leadership experience.Strong knowledge of Magnet standards, Shared Governance, nursing quality, and evidence-based practice.Experience working with NDNQI, nursing-sensitive indicators, patient satisfaction, or HCAHPS data.Excellent written, verbal, presentation, and interpersonal skills.Strong project management, analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.Ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and collaborate with individuals at all organizational levels.Proficiency with Microsoft Office, PowerPoint, and Excel. Preferred QualificationsDoctoral degree.Professional nursing specialty certification.Experience leading Magnet designation or redesignation efforts.Experience developing educational programs, training materials, and presentations for large audiences. Compensation: $140,000–$200,000 annually