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Professional Development Programs

The Spaulding Rehabilitation Nursing Center for Clinical and Professional Development (NCCPD) fosters lifelong learning in an environment that values respect, inclusivity, and alignment with Spaulding's mission, vision, and strategic goals. NCCPD empowers our nursing workforce through streamlined and innovative programs that support staff growth and development.

Opportunities

Mentorship and Transition

  • Mentorship Program: Mentors offer guidance, support, and practical advice based on their own experiences, helping mentees navigate challenges, develop professionally, and achieve their career goals.
  • Preceptor Program: We pair new nurses with experienced mentors to facilitate their transition into clinical practice and enhance their skills through hands-on guidance and support.

Professional Development and Continuing Education

  • Enrichment Programs: Specialized training and development opportunities tailored to nurses' interests and career goals, such as advanced certifications, leadership workshops, or specialized clinical skills training.
  • Continuing Education Programs: Ongoing learning opportunities for nurses to stay updated with the latest advancements in health care, expand their knowledge and skills, and maintain professional licensure requirements.
  • Nursing and Interprofessional Grand Rounds: Educational sessions where health care professionals come together to discuss complex cases, share best practices, and learn from each other's experiences.
  • Clinical Ladder Advancement Programs: Structured pathways for nurses to advance their careers through meeting defined criteria and showcasing proficiency in clinical skills, leadership, and professional development. It acknowledges nurses' growth from novice to expert, enhancing the overall expertise and effectiveness of our nursing staff.

Leadership and Governance

  • Nursing and Interprofessional Council Opportunities: Platforms for nurses to engage in decision-making processes, contribute to policy development, and advocate for quality care initiatives within the organization.
  • Shared Governance: A collaborative decision-making model where nurses actively participate in shaping policies, procedures, and workflows within their unit or department.
  • Spaulding Nursing’s Compass Leadership Development Sessions: These interactive nurse leadership development workshops are geared towards advancing knowledge, skills, and abilities and aligning with Mass General Brigham, Spaulding Rehabilitation, and Nursing’s strategic plan, goals, mission, and vision. The sessions build upon each other using the AONL competency framework, optimizing transformational servant leadership. The sessions are offered to nurse directors, professional development directors, and interprofessional colleagues as applicable.

Fellowship and Certification

  • Nightingale Fellowship: The Nightingale Fellowship offers a one-year program designed for Spaulding nurses to envision their career path with purpose. It provides a platform for nurses seeking diverse and rewarding career opportunities. Ideal candidates are RNs in the early-mid stages of their careers, working 24-40 hours per week in direct care roles.
  • Wound Treatment Associate Program: Specialized training for nurses to become experts in wound care management, including assessment, treatment, and prevention strategies for various types of wounds.
  • Specialty Certification Programs: Nurses can achieve advanced credentials in specialized areas like critical care, oncology, or pediatrics, showcasing their expertise and dedication to delivering top-notch care. Specialty Certification validates nurses' knowledge, experience, and clinical judgment in specific practice areas, enhancing skills for advanced patient care.

Nurse Residency Program

Our one-year Nursing Residency Program is designed to support your transition to practice, aligning with our mission to enhance patient care and cultivate a positive work environment. It is structured into three phases tailored to meet the unique needs of new graduate nurses. The program offers essential educational opportunities that promote ongoing professional development.

During the first 12 weeks of residency, you will be guided by dedicated unit preceptors as part of a centralized onboarding process. You'll attend in-person seminars, interact with new nurse colleagues, and engage in hands-on learning activities led by experts. The remainder of your residency will focus on mentorship and professional development, enhancing your critical thinking and clinical reasoning abilities. Monthly seminars, hands-on activities, and an end-of-year project will enrich your comprehensive experience.

Spaulding Rehabilitation offers rolling admission to our Nurse Residency Program. Your participation in the program is considered scheduled work hours, ensuring a focused commitment to your development. This dedicated time guarantees your complete engagement. As a vital member of the Spaulding team, you'll enjoy the support of a nurturing network that champions your professional growth.

Our Culture of Inquiry

At Spaulding, nurses utilize evidence-based practice (EBP), quality improvement (QI), and research as tools to inquire and find answers about their practice. We provide mentorship and support to enhance your skills in identifying best nursing practices, assessing practice consistency, and evaluating the impact of practice changes on patients and staff.

As a new resident graduate, you'll participate in an EBP PICO and research review during a dedicated one-day EBP intensive. Following residency, we offer an academic year EBP fellowship program with protected time to refine and apply EBP skills under the guidance of an onsite mentor. You'll also have the opportunity to collaborate with a nurse scientist to develop and submit a nursing research proposal for IRB review and implementation.

Our Spaulding CLIP program facilitates quality improvement initiatives, allowing you to work with a self-selected team and an experienced mentor. Whether leading a team or engaging in group projects, at Spaulding, you'll contribute to fostering a nursing “culture of inquiry.”