Staff Development Specialist, Step-Down Trauma

Job Description

Job Description

Overview

At VHC Health, we are committed to developing the next generation of nurses and advancing clinical excellence. As a Staff Development Specialist II , you’ll play a key role in supporting nursing staff through education, coaching, and mentorship. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a dynamic environment and values the opportunity to make a meaningful impact across the hospital.

Why Join This Team :

Variety in Each Day : No two days are the same. Your day might begin with the 7 : 00 AM shift or a 7 : 30 huddle, followed by rounding on new hires or leading educational classes such as Basic Dysrhythmia, Charge Nurse, or Preceptor training.

Broad Impact : Our educators support all units across the hospital, working with staff from various backgrounds and generations.

Supportive Culture : The team blends long-standing experience with fresh perspectives. Some educators have been here more than 10 years, while others bring new energy to the department.

Growth Opportunities : Team members have advanced from unit-based educator roles into leadership areas such as simulation and pipeline development.

Work-Life Balance : While the tasks change daily, there is consistency in work hours and a team culture that values flexibility and balance.

Special Initiatives : Our department leads programs like “Camp Med,” a summer event that introduces middle school students to healthcare careers—an exciting opportunity that reflects our commitment to education and community engagement.

Key Responsibilities May Include :

Rounding on new hires

Leading classroom sessions for clinical and leadership development

Developing educational plans and occasional competencies

Providing coaching, mentorship, and feedback

Communicating across units and teams

About VHC Health :

VHC Health is a 453-bed not-for-profit hospital and teaching facility that has served the Washington, DC metropolitan area for over 75 years. We are proud to be a Magnet-designated hospital and a Level II Trauma Center. VHC Health was recently recognized by Newsweek as one of the “World’s Best Hospitals” for 2025 and serves as the women's health provider for the Washington Commanders.

Responsibilities

Employee Benefit Package!

Qualifications

Purpose & Scope :

The Staff Development Specialist I is involved in the training and professional development of staff at all levels of the organization. Unit based Staff Development Specialist I may oversee direct and indirect care of patients. Interpretive skills, frequent interactive and consultative collaborations, along with demonstrated leadership ability are inherent in the position. The position requires knowledge of both department and hospital policies and procedures as well as standard practice guidelines and regulatory requirements. The ability to retrieve, communicate or otherwise present information in a written, auditory or visual fashion is essential. Written, telephone, and manual dexterity skills are required for this position.

Education :

Bachelor's degree in nursing is to be obtained within 24 months or equivalent experience in nursing is required.

A master's degree in nursing is preferred or a doctorate degree in physical therapy, master's degree in occupational therapy, or a master's degree in speech language pathology is required.

Experience :

Five years of healthcare / medical - nursing / patient care experience in a relevant discipline is preferred.

Certification / Licensure :

Certification in an area of specialty, we eligible is to be obtained within 12 months.

Licensed as a Registered Nurse by the Virginia Department of Health Professions, compact state licensure in nursing, licensed as an Occupational Therapist by the Virginia Department of Health Professions, licensed as a Physical Therapist by the Virginia Department of Health Professions, or licensed as a Speech Language Pathologist by the Virginia Department of Health Professions is required.

BLS certification is required.

Membership in one professional organization is preferred.

Other Qualifications

Special Certifications : Depending on the unit the Staff Development Specialist I is assigned to, there may be additional required certifications such as, but not limited to, PALS, ACLS, NRP, Chemotherapy, or NIH Stroke Certification.

ACLS or PALS cards stand as showing competence in BLS Skills per American Heart Association Guidelines. If an employee holds current ACLS or PALS certification, this meets the requirement for BLS in their job description. They do not need to also carry a separate BLS certification.

Physical Requirements :

Patient Care : The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential function of the job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essentials functions : The employee must possess physical capabilities in an amount equal to the physical demands made in the performance of the job by : Very hard work : Exerting in excess of 100 pounds of force occasionally, and / or in excess of 50 pounds of force frequently and / or in excess of 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Cope with the mental and emotional stress associated with this position. Operate office machines safely and in accordance with hospital Safety Standards. Push patients on stretchers, wheelchairs or beds from one area to another. Bending : lowering the body forward from the waist. Stooping : bending body forward and downward by bending legs and spine at the waist through use of the lower extremities and back muscles. Kneeling : bending legs at knee to come to rest on knee or knees. Crouching : bending body downward and forward by bending legs and spine. Twisting : moving body from waist, using a turning motion. Reaching : extending hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction. Standing : assuming an upright position, on the feet particularly, for sustained periods of time. Walking :   moving about on foot to accomplish tasks, particularly for long distances. Pushing / Pulling :   using upper extremities to press or drag objects in a sustained motion of 30-50 pounds. Lifting : raising objects and people from a lower to higher position or moving objects or people horizontally from position-to-position through the use of the upper extremities and back muscles, of between 50-100 pounds. Repetitive Motions : sustained and continuous movements of the wrist, hands and / or fingers; Finger Dexterity : feeling and grasping. Talking : expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word those activities in which detailed or important spoken instructions must be conveyed accurately, loudly or quickly. Visual Acuity : the power to see at a level which allows reading of numbers and text, operation of equipment, inspections of machines, etc. Able to perform components of Basic Life Support if applicable.

Working Conditions :

Patient Care : Works in well-lighted / ventilated office / clinical setting. Subject to frequent interruptions. Subject to long hours, changing shifts. May be required to work beyond normal working hours when requested to do so, e.g., overtime, on call. Routine occupational exposure to infectious diseases, blood borne pathogens, bodily fluids, hazardous chemicals, noxious odors, latex, and / or musculoskeletal injuries. The use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is needed for instances of exposure to blood, body fluids and infectious processes, and are supplied by the hospital. Involved with patients, family members, co-workers, and visitors under all conditions, e.g. hostile and / or emotionally upset, disoriented or combative.