Dana-Farber Cancer Institute · 2 hours ago
Professional Development Specialist
Brookline, MA
Full-time
Onsite
Mid, Senior Level
$130K/yr - $148K/yr
6+ years expDana-Farber Cancer Institute is a leader in life changing breakthroughs in cancer research and patient care, and they are seeking a Professional Development Specialist II to enhance the skills and knowledge of nursing staff. This role involves curriculum design, implementation, and evaluation, fostering a culture of continuous learning while ensuring adherence to evidence-based practices.
CommunitiesHealth CareHealth DiagnosticsHospitalNon ProfitOncology
Responsibilities
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)
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
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
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-defining processes and systems 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
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
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
Qualification
Required
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) required; other nursing graduate degree considered but must receive post-graduate education certificate within 2 years of hire
Current RN license in Massachusetts and/or New Hampshire as job requires
3 years of clinical nursing experience and 3 years of oncology experience
Professional certification required (NPD-BC, Oncology-specific, or other relevant certification) within 3 years of hire
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
Excellent ability to organize, prioritize and follow-through
Ability to apply independently a wide variety of policies/ procedures where specified guidelines may not exist
Preferred
Experience in nursing education or staff development preferred
Company
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is a center dedicated to carrying out adult and pediatric cancer treatment activities and advanced research.
1001-5000 employees
H1B Sponsorship
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (191)
2024 (145)
2023 (155)
2022 (139)
2021 (105)
2020 (113)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$88.08MKey Investors
Elaine and Eduardo Saverin FoundationThe DeGregorio Family FoundationLlama
2025-11-24Grant· $20M
2025-05-06Grant· $1M
2024-09-24Grant· $0.5M
Leadership Team
Edward Benz
CEO
Recent News
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