Professional Development Specialist

Job title: Professional Development Specialist

Company: Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

Job description: The Professional Development Specialist II (PDSII) is a member of the nursing leadership team. The PDSII is dedicated to advancing the clinical skills and knowledge of nursing staff through comprehensive curriculum design, implementation, and evaluation. This role is crucial in fostering a culture of continuous learning and ensuring adherence to evidence-based practices and regulatory standards. The PDSII collaborates with the Clinical Practice Specialists (CPS), Professional Development Specialist I, and other multidisciplinary team members. PDSII 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.This position is 100% on site in Boston.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.
• 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

• 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.

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.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:NoPATIENT CONTACT:YesMINIMUM JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

• 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.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of clinical nursing experience and 3 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.

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.EEOC Poster

Expected salary:

Location: Boston, MA

Job date: Sat, 23 Aug 2025 05:56:42 GMT

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