Professional Development Specialist I

This position is a member of the nursing leadership team, responsible for implementing and evaluating educational programs that support the professional development of nursing staff. The role involves daily interaction with staff to address clinical issues, competency development, and mentoring while ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. The Professional Development Specialist I collaborates with Professional Development Specialist IIs, Clinical Practice Specialists, and other multidisciplinary team members. 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.

Responsibilities

• Clinical Expertise
  • Demonstrates expertise in 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 managing symptom distress related to cancer and/or its treatment based on advanced knowledge of cancer etiology, treatment rationale, patient and family responses, and associated nursing interventions.
  • Provides expertise in assessing patient and family learning needs, delivering educational strategies, and evaluating the effects of teaching 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 creating 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 sensitive to the needs of diverse populations, including 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.
  • Serves as a clinical resource and consultant to the 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.
  • Maintains knowledge of regulatory agencies and conducts 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.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) required.
• Current RN license in Massachusetts and/or New Hampshire as required by the job.
• 3 years of clinical nursing experience and 1 year 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.

Skills

• 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.

Pay

$113,200.00 - $133,800.00