Date of Award

Spring 4-15-2026

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Education (EdD)

First Advisor

Michelle McCraney, ED.D.

Second Advisor

Kathy Wood, ED.D

Abstract

Building Connections for Care is a practical textbook designed to support novice Nursing Professional Development Practitioners (NPDPs) as they transition from expert bedside clinicians to educational leaders within complex healthcare systems. Grounded in the Association for Nursing Professional Development (ANPD) practice model, the book integrates ethical foundations, communication strategies, leadership frameworks, and inquiry methods to build confidence and competence in the NPDP role. Chapters trace a developmental pathway from role transition and Benner’s novice-to-expert model through ethics and just culture, incivility and workplace culture, and communication skills including feedback, SMART goals, SBAR, and professional digital conduct. Subsequent chapters expand NPDP influence through transformational, authentic, and servant leadership, as well as evidence-based practice, quality improvement, and research, clarifying when to use each approach to close practice gaps. The culminating chapter applies the ADDIE instructional design model, Bloom’s taxonomy, the ABCD method, and SMART criteria to guide systematic curriculum design, needs assessment, and evaluation. Across the text, case studies, reflective journaling, practical tools, and structured activities help readers connect prior bedside experience to new responsibilities in orientation, competency management, and program evaluation. Collectively, these components position NPDPs as bridge builders who translate evidence into practice, foster psychologically safe learning environments, and drive sustainable improvements in nurse development, patient outcomes, and organizational culture.

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