Professional Development
Nursing Professional Development
Nursing professional development is a key element in which nurses actively engage to develop and maintain clinical competence, enhance professional practice, and achieve their career goals. This continuous process supports the advancement of knowledge, skill proficiency, and role effectiveness across various domains of nursing, including education, clinical leadership, evidence-based practice, and research. Through ongoing learning and development, nurses are empowered to drive innovation, improve patient outcomes, and contribute meaningfully to the growth and transformation of the healthcare system.
Nursing Professional Development Goal Setting
Nursing professional development goal setting is important because it provides direction, fosters accountability, and drives continuous improvement in both individual practice and organizational outcomes. By setting meaningful professional development goals, nurses take an active role in shaping their careers, contributing to better patient outcomes, and advancing the nursing profession as a whole.
Professional Development activities include: continuing education, advanced practice work, professional association involvement, teaching, volunteer work, and work that credentialed professionals engage in to receive credit for the purpose of maintaining continuing competence and renewing a credential.
Examples of Nursing Professional Development Activities
Education & Skill Development
- Attending continuing education (CE) courses or workshops
- Completing specialty certifications (e.g., CCRN, CEN) Participating in hospital or unit-based in-services
- For more information about obtaining a professional board certification click here
- Enrolling in advanced degree programs (BSN, MSN, DNP, PhD)
- Completing simulation-based training
Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) & Research
Leading or participating in EBP or quality improvement projects
- Conducting or contributing to nursing research
- Presenting posters or podium sessions at conferences
- Implementing clinical practice guidelines based on research
Teaching & Precepting
- Serving as a preceptor or mentor for new nurses or students
- Facilitating clinical orientation programs
- Developing and delivering educational sessions or competency fairs
- Acting as a guest lecturer or adjunct faculty
Leadership & Professional Engagement
- Participating in Nursing Professional Governance Organization (NPGO) or local unit-based councils
- For more information about NPGO click here
- Leading or contributing to committees (e.g., falls, sepsis, code blue)
- Taking part in leadership development programs
- Joining a professional organization (e.g., ANA, AACN, ENA)
- Attending local, state, or national nursing conferences
Career Advancement & Goal Setting
- Creating and tracking SMART professional development goals
- Building a professional portfolio
- Seeking mentorship or coaching for career development
- Applying for advancement into the ASCEND Clinical Career Ladder Program
- For more information about the ASCEND Clinical Career Ladder Program click here
Goal Criteria
The goal criteria will consist of at least (1) professional development goal. The goal should follow the SMART Framework:
- Specific: Clearly state what is to be accomplished.
- Measurable: Define how success will be tracked (metrics, deliverables).
- Attainable/Achievable: Set realistic expectations based on your role and available resources.
- Relevant: Align with team/UVA Community Health priorities.
- Time-bound: Set deadlines or timeframes for completions.
The following is an example of the format to use when entering goals in Oracle Performance:
- Name of goal: Streamline patient intake process
- Additional information: Standardize documentation and pre-visit prep
- What will indicate that this goal is achieved?: Reduce intake time by 10-15% and improve visit start time punctuality by 8-10% by the end of June 2026.
- Comments: To help achieve this goal, I will research best practices other healthcare systems are using in their patient intake process.
For more information, contact:
The Center of Nursing Excellence at uvachcone@uvahealth.org
Devon Richardson, Manager, Center of Nursing Excellence at Devon.Richardson@uvahealth.org
April Morrison, Director Nursing Professional Practice at April.Morrison@uvahealth.org