This year, the ANPD Editorial Committee has made significant strides in promoting the nursing professional development (NPD) role and sharing its impact across various settings through NPD in Motion.

Our members have proactively scanned the environment for potential topics of interest to our readership. This included looking internally at our individual organizations, externally by attending presentations at conferences, and looking to the literature. As a result of these efforts, we identified emerging trends in healthcare and innovative educational approaches that impact the NPD role. We also explored beyond nursing professional development to see what other nursing specialties and industries are focusing on, doing, and disseminating. This cross-industry insight allows us to adopt or adapt best practices, further enhancing the versatility and impact of the NPD role.

We have collaboratively connected with experts in our network to share innovative practices and success stories through platforms like NPD in Motion and other publications, ensuring their excellent work is disseminated to a wider audience. One example of a deliverable from a successful engagement with an NPD community member is the NPD in Motion article on mock codes in non-acute settings. This article highlighted adaptability and commitment to excellence. Another successful reach out resulted in one of our most-viewed articles, which demonstrated Standard 9 of the Nursing professional development: Scope and standards of practice (4^th ed). (Harper & Maloney, 2022)., The article showcased the importance of allyship and the power of words in building inclusive educational programming that is representative of diverse communities.

In summary, our committee's efforts have focused on expanding the reach and impact of the NPD role, staying informed about industry trends, and fostering an inclusive environment. Our goal is to provide our readers with an accessible avenue to proactively stay informed of NPD practice and equip NPD practitioners with best practice to be effective in their role. We look forward to continuing this momentum in 2025 and encourage you to consider sharing one of your innovative practices for publication in NPD in Motion.

-Percy Ittickathra, MSN, RN, MEDSURG-BC, NPD-BC, 2024-2025 Editorial Committee Chair

-Joni Dirks, MSN, RN, NPD-BC, CCRN-K, 2024-2025 Editorial Committee Vice-chair

Top Articles of 2024

The below article rankings were determined based on readership data from both the NPD in Motion website and newsletter. Additional honorable mentions were selected by both the Editorial Committee co-chairs and NPD team at ANPD.

1. Aspire Session Recap: Making Mock Code Meaningful at Multiple Locations

Organizations encompassing a wide range of healthcare environments often face the challenge of ensuring all staff receive the appropriate education and possess the necessary skills to excel in their specific roles. At the Aspire Convention this April, two NPD professionals gave a presentation on the need for more comprehensive mock code education in ambulatory settings and their innovative approach to delivering this training engagingly and successfully.

2. Multilevel Incentivized Preceptor Training: Building an Empire of Preceptors

For the UofL team, a high voluntary turnover rate amidst the challenges of COVID-19 and civil unrest underscored the vital role of preceptors in reducing turnover, improving outcomes, and enhancing staff satisfaction. Explore how they crafted a strategic plan to focus on recruitment and laid plans for successful onboarding.

3. Driving Down Nurse Turnover by Driving Up NPD Influence

Following the COVID-19 pandemic, the team at UPMC St. Margaret saw significant turnover rates in new nurses. Learn how they addressed this challenge by developing an innovative approach to nursing professional development that not only empowers NPD practitioners, but also transforms the transition to practice period and nurtures a supportive culture for nurses new to the profession.

4. Revolutionizing Reimbursement to Show the Value of the Nurse

The nursing workforce crisis remains an urgent issue that requires action. A group of nursing and healthcare professionals felt this urgency, which led to the creation of the Commission for Nursing Reimbursement in May 2023.

5. Navigating the Power of Words: Allyship Through Inclusive Language

Using inclusive language is about embracing communication that creates cultures where people can feel free to be their authentic selves. With approximately 8,000 ANPD members, there is an opportunity to standardize our approach to oral and written communication to promote equity and inclusion. The American Psychological Association (APA) Inclusive Language Guide is one resource to leverage as we aim for this goal.

Editorial Committee Co-chair Picks:

Supporting Remote NPD Practitioners in the Workplace and at ANPD

PI: This article discusses the growing trend of remote work in nursing professional development and provides insights into how organizations can support remote NPD practitioners. I loved it because I am in the unique position of being a remote NPD practitioner and appreciated the reminders and best practices to implement in my role.

Moral Resilience—How NPD Practitioners Can Help Shift the Paradigm

JD: These authors presented their study on moral resilience at a national conference, and it clearly resonated with nurses in the audience. Several shared that they didn’t know what resources were available to support them at their local facilities—a knowledge gap I knew could be addressed by an NPD practitioner. I appreciated the strategies and resources that could be used to enhance nursing resilience.

ANPD NPD Education Staff Picks:

Don’t Get Into a Pickle: Choose Your Shots Wisely

Naomi Fox, DNP, RN, NPD-BC, CCRN, ANPD Director of Education: One of my favorite styles of article writing is when there is an overarching theme that parallels concepts to professional points. This author blended pickleball and NPD practice. They walked us through the rules of the game along with the skills required, and how to win, all while linking it to how NPD practitioners know and practice their individual skills and select the correct strategy.  

May the Fourth Standard Be With You: Training Your Planning Skills for Program Effectiveness

Mary Smith, MSN, RN, NPD-BC, NC-BC, AMB-BC, C-EFM, CCE, ANPD Education Program Manager: This article is an interview style. The expert delves into Standard 4: Planning of the Nursing professional development: Scope & standards of practice (4^th ed.). (Harper & Maloney, 2022). The role of the NPD practitioner to collaborate across teams to enhance effective planning is crucial. The goals are improved knowledge, skill acquisition, and integration of knowledge into practice. Key points of implementation and evaluation are also discussed.