We in the Department of Clinical Professional Development at Long Island Jewish Medical Center are continuously interacting with our nursing staff on a daily basis, providing orientation programs to our new hires and offering ongoing education to our incumbent staff. After all, that is what we do! Healthcare is constantly changing, and nurses must keep up to date on the latest technological advances and treatment modalities in order to establish best practices. Having a dedicated Nursing Professional Development (NPD) Week every year provides us with the opportunity to focus on, and specifically promote, the various professional development activities and educational offerings that are available to our staff as an investment in their knowledge and career growth. Our nurses are so busy with their daily workload and responsibilities that they often do not take the time to focus on themselves and their career trajectory, so we want to make sure we bring the available professional development opportunities to them. The promotion and offering of learning and career advancement possibilities demonstrates an investment in our nurses that can also assist with retention and job satisfaction.

Therefore, at LIJMC, we plan to celebrate NPD Week by recognizing our nurses and all they have achieved over the past post-pandemic year, when so many are still trying to recover from the traumatic events they encountered. In an effort to engage the staff, we plan to tour the hospital with a “Professional Development Opportunity Cart” equipped with information that promotes the professional development opportunities available for our nurses, including information on specialty certifications, clinical ladder advancement, continuing education programs, paid education days, tuition reimbursement and advanced degree nursing school cohort programs; residency, specialty fellowship, preceptor, and mentor/mentee programs, free educational webinars, skin scholars, diabetes champions, and self-care relaxation techniques from our holistic nurse. All the information will be combined into a sectioned binder with the plan to compile and distribute one to every unit. We will also have goodies and small giveaways. In addition, we will be conducting our annual mandatory education sessions throughout the week for the nursing staff to renew their skills.

Professional development is so important for our nursing staff and the profession! NPD Week also provides the opportunity to highlight the importance of the role of the clinical professional development educator and their contributions to the future of our nurses. They are a dedicated group of professionals with a wealth of knowledge and experience who continuously orient and educate new nursing staff, while providing formal and impromptu education to the incumbent staff, ensuring they deliver safe, quality care to our patients. Their never-ending guidance and support are a comfort to the nursing staff working in today’s high-paced, ever-changing healthcare environment. They are the backbone of the NPD profession and deserve recognition during NPD week.

NPD Week will take place from September 11-17. Start planning your celebrations!