In this episode of the NPD Forecast podcast, guests Mary Smith, MSN, RN, NPD-BC, NC-BC, AMB-BC, C-EFM, CCE, Jo-Ann Robison, DNP, APN-BC, RNC-OB, NPD-BC, and Arisha Chase, MSN-Ed, RN, NPD-BC, PCCN, discuss the value and process of earning nursing professional development certification in recognition of National Certified Nurses Day on March 19. Drawing from their diverse experiences—as a leader promoting certification, a longtime certification instructor, and a newly certified NPDBC practitioner—they share perspectives on why certification matters for both individuals and the broader NPD specialty.

The discussion highlights:

• How NPD leaders can promote certification readiness through environmental scanning and intentional preparation strategies
• Common misconceptions about the NPD certification process and how education and mentorship can support candidates
• How achieving certification can shift professional mindset, build confidence, and strengthen the ability to influence practice and outcomes

In this episode of the NPD Forecast: Quick Doses of NPD miniseries, Grace Carcich and Gracie Holmberg discuss the PrimE Academy, a virtual learning community created to support Prime Healthcare's nationwide network of hospitals. They share how the platform evolved from pandemic-era COVID-19 training into a comprehensive virtual learning environment offering education and resources across multiple care settings.

The discussion highlights:

• How the NPD leader implements a project and advocates for resources to bring that project to the future
• How virtual learning can enhance accessibility to policies, procedures, best practices, and education to help with all of the throughputs that the NPD practitioner is responsible for

About the Miniseries: The Quick Doses of NPD miniseries offers brief, practical snapshots of a throughput in action within nursing professional development.

In this episode of NPD Forecast: Quick Doses of NPD miniseries, Ashley Simpson joins the conversation to discuss throughput education and collaborative partnerships, as well as technology in nursing professional development. Ashley shares insights from her work overseeing multiple surgical units and describes how QR code resources and microlearning tools are being used to support nursing staff at the point of care.

The discussion highlights:

• How these tools address high-risk, low-frequency metrics and clinical practice;
• The positive outcomes of the QR code initiative—including strong satisfaction among nurses;
• And how presenting this work at the 2025 Aspire Convention created opportunities for professional connection and knowledge sharing.

About the Miniseries: The Quick Doses of NPD miniseries offers brief, practical snapshots of a throughput in action within nursing professional development.