ANPD is pleased to welcome a new member to the team — meet Sarah Hardacker, MSN, RN, NPDA-BC, our new education program manager! Hardacker is joining the nursing professional development (NPD) education team alongside Liz Cambier, MSN, RN, NPD-BC, education program manager, Mary Smith, MSN, RN, NPD-BC, NC-BC, AMB-BC, C-EFM, CCE, education program manager, and Naomi Fox, DNP, MSN, RN, NPD-BC, CCRN, director of education.
Hardacker, an Indiana native, obtained her nursing degree from Indiana University. Her nursing career has been spent caring for pediatric patients in various settings and specialties. Hardacker has been in an NPD role for seven years, starting in the role at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) after earning her MSN at Cedar Crest College in Allentown, Pennsylvania.
Hardacker is transitioning to this role after serving as the NPD department manager at Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis, Indiana. She has been actively involved in her local affiliate, Indiana Association for Nursing Professional Development (IANPD), where she served on the board as secretary/treasurer for the past two years.
Hardacker is especially passionate about the importance of evidence based practice and nurse residency programs, having served as an EBP mentor for the Helene Fuld Institute at Ohio State University’s EBP immersions program. She also collaborated on two nurse residency program CCNE accreditations.
Below, get to know Sarah Hardacker and what makes her a great addition to the NPD education team.
What do you love most about being an NPD practitioner?
I love the versatility of the NPD role and that there is no such thing as a standard day in the life of an NPD. Each day is filled with new challenges and opportunities for creativity and fulfilling interactions. NPD practitioners can be championing evidence-based strategies in the morning, mentoring team members in the afternoon, and completing a learning needs assessment in the evening. In all we do, we lead through influence and facilitate change, which makes a significant impact on those we support.
Why are you excited to work at ANPD?
My favorite parts of my role as a manager centered on the opportunity to build relationships, learn from others, and help support the needs of colleagues. I am excited for this opportunity with ANPD because I will be able to do all of those things on a larger scale. I can’t wait to meet NPDs from near and far, learn about their successes and challenges, and work to amplify voices, share resources, and provide support.
What is a highlight of your time as an ANPD member so far?
As a member, ANPD has provided me with such amazing support and opportunities that it’s hard to pick just one highlight. From winning Star Search, publishing my first article in JNPD, being on the ANPD Editorial Committee, presenting in a webinar, and presenting at conventions, every opportunity has allowed me to collaborate with exceptional NPD practitioners, grow professionally and celebrate the NPD specialty.
What is your biggest professional accomplishment?
Earning my Advanced NPD Certification has been one of my greatest professional accomplishments. Getting my portfolio together was a labor of love but also provided an amazing opportunity for reflection. Beyond the pride I had in the work I was showcasing, I felt incredibly thankful for the tremendous individuals I’ve worked with. They provided me with opportunities, encouragement, and friendship throughout my professional journey. I wouldn’t have achieved that certification without them.
How do you approach challenges in your work?
The quote “You can do anything but not everything” from David Allen is something that has resonated with me recently when I face challenges in my work. It reminds me to focus on one piece of the puzzle at a time and recognize that I have both limits and resources, so I don’t need to do it all at once or all alone.
What advice would you give to someone just starting out as an NPD?
NPD is a team activity, not a competition. Asking questions and partnering with others shows strength, not weakness, at all stages of your career. Even the most experienced NPDs are still learning new things and growing every day. The NPD community is strong, supportive, and will welcome you with open arms. All you have to do is reach out!
What hobbies do you enjoy outside of work?
Spending time with my husband, daughter and, dog, is my favorite thing to do when I’m not working. I enjoy reading, so feel free to send your book recommendations my way! In the summer, I enjoy gardening and making a tasty salsa verde with homegrown produce. I also enjoy traveling to new places — our most recent trip was hiking and exploring in Banff, Canada!