Certifications: Basic Life Support (BLS) within 30 days - American Heart Association (AHA); Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) within 1 year - American Heart Association (AHA); National Nursing Certification within 2 years - Varies; Licensed Registered Professional Nurse (RN) - Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR), Education: Bachelor's Degree: Nursing (Required), Work Experience: Responsibilities. The Nursing Professional Development Specialist will collect data and information related to educational needs, analyzes issues, trends and supporting data to determine needs of the organization, identify desired outcomes, and establish a plan that prescribes strategies, alternatives, and resources to achieve expected outcomes.