Oncology Nurse Residency Program - New Graduate Nurse (Research Track)
About the role
The nurse resident’s responsibilities during this year-long position will focus on the successful transition into clinical nursing practices, including assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of nursing care for a complex patient population. Upon successful completion of this program, residents may apply for a posted permanent employment position at DFCI. During the year long residency, multiple nurse colleagues (preceptors, mentors) and unit level nurse directors will provide feedback regarding the resident’s transition and competency development. The ultimate supervisory responsibility will be the Program Director.
Responsibilities
- Delivers expert, evidence-based care to patients and families.
- Implements nursing process:
- Assesses patient and family needs.
- Analyzes assessment data to develop and support clinically accurate diagnoses.
- Plans care by establishing goals with measurable outcomes.
- Implements the plan of care.
- Evaluates the patient’s response to interventions.
- Documents care according to Institute and regulatory agencies’ requirements.
- Administers medications, which may include chemotherapy, and performs procedures safely and efficiently in accordance with Institute policy. May administer blood transfusions.
- Evaluates educational and psychological needs of patient and family and incorporates identified needs into the plan of care.
- Educates patient and family regarding various aspects and treatment modalities of disease, which may include chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy, and research protocols.
- Negotiates and responds to emergency situations appropriately.
- Maintains BLS certification.
- Identifies appropriate community resources to promote continuity of care and makes appropriate referrals.
- Coordinates study enrollment, protocol treatment, and completion of study requirements for patients participating in clinical trials.
- Collaborates with primary nurse in assuring that patient care is compliant with the protocol and regulatory agency standards.
- Provides protocol education to patients and families.
- Captures and prepares required specimens for analysis and monitors test results, as appropriate.
- Documents in charts as appropriate and communicates observations and findings to protocol investigator, attending physician and other study team members as appropriate.
- Implements nursing process:
- Fosters an environment of cultural humility that is sensitive to the needs of each patient and their unique circumstances as well as colleagues.
- Interacts with patients and families in a caring and compassionate manner respecting the need for privacy and confidentiality.
- Develops approaches to problem solving which meet the individual needs of the patients and families.
- Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide age-specific care and support to the populations served.
- Promotes an inclusive work environment where all staff can thrive.
- Safety & Teamwork.
- Maintains the environment of care with attention to patient safety, and assures compliance with regulatory agency standards.
- Complies with Institute, Nursing and Patient Care Services, and unit policies, procedures, work rules and standards of conduct.
- Adheres to the Code of Ethics for Nurses with Interpretive Statements (ANA, 2025) in all aspects of professional practice.
- Demonstrates the ability to work collaboratively with peers and co-workers. Effectively addresses and manages conflicts.
- Demonstrates effectiveness as a contributing member to the multidisciplinary health care team.
- Delegates as appropriate and supervises assistive personnel in their provision of patient care.
- Professional Development.
- Identifies areas for professional growth. Formulates professional goals, objectives and methods for accomplishing these.
- Attends inservices, workshops and seminars. Shares information gained with colleagues.
- Facilitates professional growth of self and others by seeking professional mentorship opportunities at DFCI and external to DFCI, if applicable.
- Participates in the development of case study presentations and capstone project that is shared with colleagues.
- Mets all annual evaluation requirements and competencies within the established time period.
- Pursues active membership in local and national professional organizations.
- Participates in Division of Nursing / Institute committees.
Requirements
- Licensed as a registered nurse in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
- Baccalaureate degree in nursing.
- Must meet the DFCI criteria of Newly Licensed Nurse meaning: A licensed RN who has not previously practiced in an RN role.
- Demonstrated ability to work as an effective member of an interdisciplinary team.
- Demonstrated skills in critical thinking, problem solving, and ability to make independent decisions.
- Strong computer skills preferred.
Qualifications
- Completed a Bachelor's of Science in nursing program and have been awarded your diploma prior to your start date.
- Passed the NCLEX exam and have a Massachusetts State Nursing License prior to your start date.
Benefits
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.
Pay
$74,500.00 - $84,100.00
Schedule
100% Onsite
Application Instructions
This position requires you have completed a Bachelor's of Science in nursing program and have been awarded your diploma prior to your start date. This position requires you have passed the NCLEX exam and have a Massachusetts State Nursing License prior to your start date. Applications will be for those graduating by Spring 2026 - Interviews will occur on a rolling basis - These positions will be for an August 24, 2026 start date.
Contact
For more information, please contact us at DFCI_ONRP@dfci.harvard.edu.