Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Professional Development Specialist, Inpatient Research Nursing
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, us, 02298
Professional Development Specialist (PDS) Overview
The Professional Development Specialist (PDS) is a member of the nursing leadership team focused on advancing the clinical skills and knowledge of nursing staff through curriculum design, implementation, and evaluation. The role fosters continuous learning, ensuring adherence to evidence‑based practices and regulatory standards, and collaborates with Clinical Practice Specialists and multidisciplinary teams.
DFCI guidelines require employees to reside in New England (Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island or Vermont).
Responsibilities Clinical Expertise
Demonstrates expertise in areas of oncology clinical practice, by participating in patient care to identify opportunities for improvement, assess staff performance, and facilitate implementation of new practices.
Supports nurses in the management of symptom distress related to cancer and/or its treatment based on advanced knowledge of the etiology of cancer, the rationale for treatment, patient and family responses and needs, and associated nursing interventions.
Provides expertise in the assessment of patient and family learning needs, provision of educational strategies, and evaluation of the effects of teaching strategies for general and specified oncology patient populations.
May provide direct patient care, consult with other nurses or clinical staff about specific patients, and make recommendations for interventions and plan of care.
Collaborates and consults with nurses and others to influence nursing practices and improve care outcomes within a specific unit or service and/or across Nursing and Patient Care Services (NPCS).
Education & Curriculum Development
Demonstrates leadership skills through the coordination of education, training, and competency assessment activities within the clinical coverage area.
Participates in local and national professional activities and organizations to promote the educational and professional growth of self and others within DFCI and the community.
Designs competency models in collaboration with content experts.
Develops and analyzes the Learning Needs Assessment for the department and clinical areas.
Monitors compliance related to mandatory staff education.
Educates staff on policies and procedures, supporting practice changes based on evidence‑based guidelines.
Designs and implements curriculum, educational programs and workshops to support the ongoing professional development of nursing staff, utilizing a variety of educational methods, including simulation.
Serves as a nurse planner for ANCC Accredited Provider Unit.
Supports unit leadership with the coordination and evaluation of unit‑based orientation for new employees.
Collaborates with the Nurse Director to design orientation schedules, select preceptors, conduct weekly check‑ins, and ensure completion of orientation records.
Coordinates nursing student placements in collaboration with the Nurse Director and maintains communication with the Center for Clinical and Professional Development on student performance.
Evidence‑Based Practice
Maintains expertise in the ADNP practice model, competency models, and simulation standards of practice.
Educates staff on policies and procedures, supporting practice changes based on evidence‑based guidelines.
Leadership & Mentoring
Contributes to the creation of an environment that stimulates continuous self‑learning, positive group processes, reflective practice, and the empowerment of others.
Models constructive and mutually respectful relationships with colleagues.
Fosters an environment that is sensitive to the needs of diverse populations, including but not limited to culture, ethnicity, gender, and age.
Participates in goal‑setting processes and system changes to promote best practices.
Functions as a change agent, to implement, evaluate, and promote nursing care and systems that are safe, cost‑effective and evidence‑based.
Partners with leaders in clinical areas to establish goals and then develop, implement, and evaluate strategies consistent with institutional and departmental goals.
Participates in activities that promote professional growth and development.
Mentoring
Works collaboratively with other departments and disciplines on projects, initiatives, and programs to meet the goals of DFCI and promotes excellence in care delivery and outcomes.
Is a clinical resource and consultant to all DFCI nursing community regarding clinical policies, standards, and guidelines of care.
Quality / Safety / Regulatory Compliance
Assesses quality of care and patient outcomes.
Disseminates work related to research, EBP, and quality improvement initiatives.
Maintains knowledge of regulatory agencies and conducts audits as needed.
Provides support for curriculum development related to safety events.
Reviews Institutional Quality Initiatives/Measures and helps support the unit in improvement initiatives and best practice modeling.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) required.
3 years of clinical nursing experience and 1 year of oncology experience.
License / Certification / Registration Required
Current RN license in Massachusetts and/or New Hampshire as job requires.
Professional certification required (NPD‑BC, Oncology‑specific, or other relevant certification) within 3 years of hire.
Preferred Qualifications
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) preferred; other nursing graduate degree considered but must receive post‑graduate education certificate within 2 years of hire.
Experience in nursing education or staff development preferred.
Clinical research experience preferred.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required
Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
Excellent organizational and time management abilities.
Proficiency in educational technology and software.
Ability to mentor and guide nursing staff effectively.
Expertise in evidence‑based practices, competency models, and simulation standards.
Knowledge of regulatory compliance standards.
At Dana‑Farber Cancer Institute we work every day to create an innovative, caring, and inclusive environment. If this inspires you, we encourage you to apply.
Dana‑Farber Cancer Institute is an equal opportunity employer and affirms the right of every qualified applicant to receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, national origin, sexual orientation, genetic information, disability, age, ancestry, military service, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.
EEO Poster Pay Transparency Statement
The hiring range is based on market pay structures, with individual salaries determined by factors such as business needs, market conditions, internal equity, and the candidate’s relevant experience, skills and qualifications.
For union positions, the pay range is determined by the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
$113,200.00 – $133,800.00
#J-18808-Ljbffr
DFCI guidelines require employees to reside in New England (Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island or Vermont).
Responsibilities Clinical Expertise
Demonstrates expertise in areas of oncology clinical practice, by participating in patient care to identify opportunities for improvement, assess staff performance, and facilitate implementation of new practices.
Supports nurses in the management of symptom distress related to cancer and/or its treatment based on advanced knowledge of the etiology of cancer, the rationale for treatment, patient and family responses and needs, and associated nursing interventions.
Provides expertise in the assessment of patient and family learning needs, provision of educational strategies, and evaluation of the effects of teaching strategies for general and specified oncology patient populations.
May provide direct patient care, consult with other nurses or clinical staff about specific patients, and make recommendations for interventions and plan of care.
Collaborates and consults with nurses and others to influence nursing practices and improve care outcomes within a specific unit or service and/or across Nursing and Patient Care Services (NPCS).
Education & Curriculum Development
Demonstrates leadership skills through the coordination of education, training, and competency assessment activities within the clinical coverage area.
Participates in local and national professional activities and organizations to promote the educational and professional growth of self and others within DFCI and the community.
Designs competency models in collaboration with content experts.
Develops and analyzes the Learning Needs Assessment for the department and clinical areas.
Monitors compliance related to mandatory staff education.
Educates staff on policies and procedures, supporting practice changes based on evidence‑based guidelines.
Designs and implements curriculum, educational programs and workshops to support the ongoing professional development of nursing staff, utilizing a variety of educational methods, including simulation.
Serves as a nurse planner for ANCC Accredited Provider Unit.
Supports unit leadership with the coordination and evaluation of unit‑based orientation for new employees.
Collaborates with the Nurse Director to design orientation schedules, select preceptors, conduct weekly check‑ins, and ensure completion of orientation records.
Coordinates nursing student placements in collaboration with the Nurse Director and maintains communication with the Center for Clinical and Professional Development on student performance.
Evidence‑Based Practice
Maintains expertise in the ADNP practice model, competency models, and simulation standards of practice.
Educates staff on policies and procedures, supporting practice changes based on evidence‑based guidelines.
Leadership & Mentoring
Contributes to the creation of an environment that stimulates continuous self‑learning, positive group processes, reflective practice, and the empowerment of others.
Models constructive and mutually respectful relationships with colleagues.
Fosters an environment that is sensitive to the needs of diverse populations, including but not limited to culture, ethnicity, gender, and age.
Participates in goal‑setting processes and system changes to promote best practices.
Functions as a change agent, to implement, evaluate, and promote nursing care and systems that are safe, cost‑effective and evidence‑based.
Partners with leaders in clinical areas to establish goals and then develop, implement, and evaluate strategies consistent with institutional and departmental goals.
Participates in activities that promote professional growth and development.
Mentoring
Works collaboratively with other departments and disciplines on projects, initiatives, and programs to meet the goals of DFCI and promotes excellence in care delivery and outcomes.
Is a clinical resource and consultant to all DFCI nursing community regarding clinical policies, standards, and guidelines of care.
Quality / Safety / Regulatory Compliance
Assesses quality of care and patient outcomes.
Disseminates work related to research, EBP, and quality improvement initiatives.
Maintains knowledge of regulatory agencies and conducts audits as needed.
Provides support for curriculum development related to safety events.
Reviews Institutional Quality Initiatives/Measures and helps support the unit in improvement initiatives and best practice modeling.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) required.
3 years of clinical nursing experience and 1 year of oncology experience.
License / Certification / Registration Required
Current RN license in Massachusetts and/or New Hampshire as job requires.
Professional certification required (NPD‑BC, Oncology‑specific, or other relevant certification) within 3 years of hire.
Preferred Qualifications
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) preferred; other nursing graduate degree considered but must receive post‑graduate education certificate within 2 years of hire.
Experience in nursing education or staff development preferred.
Clinical research experience preferred.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required
Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
Excellent organizational and time management abilities.
Proficiency in educational technology and software.
Ability to mentor and guide nursing staff effectively.
Expertise in evidence‑based practices, competency models, and simulation standards.
Knowledge of regulatory compliance standards.
At Dana‑Farber Cancer Institute we work every day to create an innovative, caring, and inclusive environment. If this inspires you, we encourage you to apply.
Dana‑Farber Cancer Institute is an equal opportunity employer and affirms the right of every qualified applicant to receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, national origin, sexual orientation, genetic information, disability, age, ancestry, military service, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.
EEO Poster Pay Transparency Statement
The hiring range is based on market pay structures, with individual salaries determined by factors such as business needs, market conditions, internal equity, and the candidate’s relevant experience, skills and qualifications.
For union positions, the pay range is determined by the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
$113,200.00 – $133,800.00
#J-18808-Ljbffr