About this role
Job title: Professional Development Specialist II
About the Role The Professional Development Specialist II (PDSII) is a member of the nursing leadership team dedicated to advancing the clinical skills and knowledge of nursing staff through curriculum design, implementation, and evaluation. This role fosters a culture of continuous learning and ensures adherence to evidence-based practices and regulatory standards. The PDSII collaborates with 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). Located in Boston, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is committed to inclusive, diverse, and equitable care.
What You'll Do
- Demonstrate oncology clinical practice expertise by participating in patient care to identify opportunities for improvement, assess staff performance, and facilitate implementation of new practices.
- Support nurses in managing symptom distress related to cancer and/or its treatment based on advanced knowledge of etiology, rationale for treatment, patient and family responses and needs, and associated nursing interventions.
- Provide 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.
- Collaborate and consult with nurses and others to influence nursing practices and improve care outcomes within a specific unit or service and/or across NPCS.
- Lead the coordination of education, training, and competency assessment activities within the clinical coverage area.
- Participate in local and national professional activities and organizations to promote the educational and professional growth of self and others within DFCI and the community.
- Design competency models in collaboration with content experts.
- Develop and analyze the Learning Needs Assessment for the department and clinical areas.
- Monitor compliance related to mandatory staff education.
- Educate staff on policies and procedures, supporting practice changes based on evidence-based guidelines.
- Design and implement curriculum, educational programs and workshops to support ongoing professional development of nursing staff, utilizing simulation.
- Serve as a nurse planner for ANCC Accredited Provider Unit.
- Support unit leadership with the coordination and evaluation of unit-based orientation for new employees.
- Collaborate with the Nurse Director to design orientation schedules, select preceptors, conduct weekly check-ins, and ensure completion of orientation records.
- Coordinate nursing student placements in collaboration with the Nurse Director and maintain communication with the Center for Clinical and Professional Development on student performance.
- Maintain expertise in the ADNP practice model, competency models, and simulation standards of practice.
What We're Looking For
- Strong oncology clinical practice expertise and ability to translate evidence into practice.
- Proven experience in nursing education leadership, curriculum design, and competency assessment.
- Knowledge of evidence-based guidelines, ADNP/ONS/ANPD frameworks, and ANCC Accredited Provider Unit standards.
- Ability to coordinate orientation, onboarding, and unit-based education; adept at collaboration with nursing leadership and multidisciplinary teams.
- Excellent communication and leadership skills with the ability to influence nursing practices and outcomes.
Nice to Have
- Experience with simulation-based education.
- Experience serving as a nurse planner for an ANCC Accredited Provider Unit.
- Involvement with local or national professional activities related to nursing education.
Compensation & Benefits
- Salary: $129,800 - $148,400 per year (USD). On-site with occasional remote work in Boston, MA.