When meeting their annual mandatory education and competency requirements became a persistent challenge, the NPD team at Jefferson Abington and Lansdale Hospitals knew they had to find a new way. Instead of requiring nurses to complete these tasks during already busy clinical shifts and outside of work hours, they decided to implement a mandatory education and competency day. Staff satisfaction went up and compliance reach 100%.

When LPNs were introduced to the acute care setting, the nursing professional development (NPD) team saw the need to create a program that would empower and educate them. Not only did 93% of the LPNs who participated report that the classroom and simulation experiences were helpful in their professional practice, but the LPNs skills were measurably improved and one medical-surgical unit decreased its vacancy rate and was able to eliminate the need for travel nurses.

If nursing is a garden, nursing professional development (NPD) practitioners are the gardeners. Their work shows up in confident new nurses, engaged teams, and strong leaders. It shows up in better outcomes, a sense of support, and in a sense of belonging. This Nurses Week is a reminder that growth takes time and support. It takes people who are willing to invest in others, even when they’re not the ones being recognized.