Registered Nurse (RN) Director of Professional Development Innovation and Research

Job Title: Director

Location: Clara Maass Medical Center

Department Name: Develop Innovation & Research

Req #: 0000264363

Status: Salaried

Shift: Day

Pay Range: $144,400.00 - $195,000.00 per year

Pay Transparency:

The above reflects the anticipated annual salary range for this position if hired to work in New Jersey.

The compensation offered to the candidate selected for the position will depend on several factors, including the candidate's educational background, skills and professional experience.

Job Overview:

RWJBarnabas Health is seeking a highly dedicated Registered Nurse for our Critical Care Float Pool at Clara Maass Medical Center in Belleville, NJ. With over 700 physicians and 2,100 employees, we offer advanced treatment for a wide variety of medical conditions. In 2017, the Medical Center completed a state-of-the-art campus expansion featuring a new four-story 87,000 square foot building with a private, 32 bed Intensive Care Unit, new Main Entrance and Lobby, Retail Pharmacy, Patient Registration Area and newly expanded Emergency Department.

Director of Professional Development Innovation and Research – RWJBarnabas Health  

At RWJBarnabas Health, Registered Nurses become part of a purpose driven environment where teamwork, belonging, and clinical excellence shape meaningful patient experiences. This role offers growth, supportive teamwork, and a culture committed to safety and continuous improvement. As a Director of Professional Development Innovation and Research, you will help advance patient care and strengthen the experience of individuals across our organization. Joining RWJBarnabas Health means joining a community where every RN is encouraged to grow, innovate, and lead with purpose.

As a Director of Professional Development Innovation and Research, a typical day may include:

Business Acumen / Operational Effectiveness

Preparing operational and capital budget to provide adequate personnel and financial resources to conduct Department of Nursing Education. Directs the planning, implementation and evaluation of cost effective orientation, in-service, continuing education programs and research projects based on the needs of the Nursing Department, nursing staff and patients. Prepares and present Annual Report. Establishes quality, cost-effective, creative approaches to education such as learning modules, videotapes, etc. Consults with Product Line areas regarding compliance with JCAHO and DOH education requirements. Plans and coordinates appropriate clinical placements for universities and schools of nursing using Clara Maass Medical Center as a clinical affiliation. Explores and promotes educational resource development with universities and schools of nursing and other hospitals through collaborative efforts.

Communication

Develop programs to update nursing staff on new advances in technology and research findings. Plans for demonstration and instruction of new equipment and/or nursing procedures. Coordinates the publication of a monthly educational calendar to publicize offerings to nursing staff.

Leadership

Develop educational offerings based on JCAHO and State Department of Health requirements, and the standards of practice of the professional association (ANA Standards for Nursing Staff Development). As Administrator of Provider Units, provides contact hours for programs and offerings that meet the standards of NJSNA. Develops and coordinates Clinical Ladder program. Acts as a coordinating resource person through appropriate participation on hospital and nursing committees.

People Management

Directs, supervises and evaluates the activities of the Nurse Educators, Clinical Instructors, and Clinical Nurse Specialist. Assesses ongoing educational need of nursing staff. Collaborates with hospital personnel in offering multidisciplinary programs. Maintains and secures records of staff attendance and educational content of educational programs.

Personal Learning / Self-Management::

Operates with a high degree of autonomy and authority while working within the framework of CMMC’s philosophy and policies. Maintains professional affiliations and enhances professional growth and development to keep abreast of the latest trends in hospital/department/administration services.

• Taking an active role in a highly collaborative team environment where shared accountability and teamwork directly impact outcomes
• Pursuing continued professional growth through access to continuing education, clinical ladder opportunities, and organizational resources that support long term career progression

This role might be for you if:  

• Clear, compassionate communication defines how you interact with patients, families, and colleagues
• Strong clinical judgment guides your decisions, even as priorities shift
• Thriving in a fast paced environment energizes you, especially where teamwork drives outcomes
• A commitment to evidence-based practice shapes your daily work
• Empathy and professionalism are central to your approach
• Continuous learning and professional growth matter to you
• A collaborative team culture is something you actively help strengthen

To be considered for this opportunity, you must hold an active New Jersey Registered Nurse license in good standing and a current American Heart Association BLS certification, 5 years of Nursing Professional Development experience.  A Master’s degree in Nursing is required, proven experience in planning and marketing educational programs for nurses in the acute care setting. Knowledge of contemporary issues affecting the health care professions. Excellent written and oral skills participation in professional associations. Commitment to ongoing educational advancement, and comfort with electronic medical record systems (EMR) like EPIC.  In this position, you will work FT 40 hours per week.

Other Duties:

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Benefits

At RWJBarnabas Health, our employees are at the heart of everything we do. Driven by our Total Wellbeing promise, our market-competitive offerings include comprehensive benefits and resources to support our employees’ physical, emotional, financial, personal, career, and community wellbeing.  These benefits and resources include, but are not limited to:

• Paid Time Off including Vacation, Holidays, and Sick Time
• Retirement Plans
• Medical and Prescription Drug Insurance
• Dental and Vision Insurance
• Disability and Life Insurance
• Paid Parental Leave
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Student Loan Planning Support
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Wellness Programs
• Voluntary Benefits (e.g., Pet Insurance)
• Community and Volunteer Opportunities
• Discounts Through our Partners such as NJ Devils, NJ PAC, and Verizon
• ….and more!

Choosing RWJBarnabas Health!

RWJBarnabas Health is the premier health care destination providing patient-centered, high-quality academic medicine in a compassionate and equitable manner, while delivering a best-in-class work experience to every member of the team. We honor and appreciate the privilege of creating and sustaining healthier communities, one person and one community at a time. As the leading academic health system in New Jersey, we advance innovative strategies in high-quality patient care, education, and research to address both the clinical and social determinants of health.

RWJBarnabas Health aims to truly make a unique impact in local communities throughout New Jersey. From vastly improving the health of local residents to creating educational and career opportunities, this combination greatly benefits the state. We understand the growing and evolving needs of residents in New Jersey—whether that be enhancing the coordination for treating complex health conditions or improving community health through local programs and education.

Equal Opportunity Employer