Professional Development Specialist-2

About the role

The Professional Development Specialist I (PDSI) is a member of the nursing leadership team at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. This position involves daily interaction with staff to address clinical issues, competency development, and mentoring while ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• 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.
• Makes 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).

Evidence-based Practice

• Maintains expertise in the ADNP practice model, competency models, and simulation standards of practice.
• Edits 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

• Affords 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.
• Supports 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.