Job Description

Overview

The Professional Development Specialist I (PDSI) is a member of the nursing leadership team. The PDSI is responsible for implementing and evaluating educational programs that support the professional development of nursing staff. This position involves daily interaction with staff to address clinical issues, competency development, and mentoring while ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. The PDSI collaborates with the Professional Development Specialist IIs, Clinical Practice Specialists (CPS), and other multidisciplinary team members. PDSI practice is based on competencies described by the Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) and the Association of Nurses in Professional Development (ANPD). The mission, vision, and values of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute are incorporated into all areas of practice.

Located in Boston and the surrounding communities, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is a leader in life changing breakthroughs in cancer research and patient care. We are united in our mission of conquering cancer, HIV/AIDS, and related diseases. We strive to create an inclusive, diverse, and equitable environment where we provide compassionate and comprehensive care to patients of all backgrounds, and design programs to promote public health particularly among high-risk and underserved populations. We conduct groundbreaking research that advances treatment, we educate tomorrow's physician/researchers, and we work with amazing partners, including other Harvard Medical School-affiliated hospitals.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND 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

• 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.
• Monitors compliance related to mandatory staff education.
• Educates staff on policies and procedures, supporting practice changes based on evidence-based guidelines.
• Implements 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 Nurse Directors 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

• 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.
• 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.
• Maintain knowledge of regulatory agencies and conduct 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.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND 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.

MINIMUM JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) required.
• Current RN license in Massachusetts and/or New Hampshire as job requires.
• 3 years of clinical nursing experience and 1 years of oncology experience.
• Experience in nursing education or staff development preferred.
• Professional certification required (NPD-BC, Oncology-specific, or other relevant certification) within 3 years of hire.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

No

PATIENT CONTACT:

Yes

At Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, we work every day to create an innovative, caring, and inclusive environment where every patient, family, and staff member feels they belong. As relentless as we are in our mission to reduce the burden of cancer for all, we are committed to having faculty and staff who offer multifaceted experiences. Cancer knows no boundaries and when it comes to hiring the most dedicated and compassionate professionals, neither do we. If working in this kind of organization 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.  

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 based on the candidate’s relevant experience, skills and qualifications.

For union positions, the pay range is determined by the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).

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