Clinical Patient Education Specialist

The Patient Education Nurse Specialist is a key member of the nursing leadership team, responsible for influencing patient education practices to support evidence-based care and achieve quality outcomes. This role involves creating and reviewing specialized, disease-specific, and general multimedia education for patients and caregivers in cancer care and clinical trials. The Specialist ensures the highest quality of educational materials and resources across adult, inpatient, and ambulatory settings at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI). Collaborating with various stakeholders, the Specialist brings expertise as a clinician, writer, researcher, consultant, and leader.

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.

MINIMUM JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

Minimum Education:
Master’s degree in nursing (MSN) or related field required.

Minimum Experience:
5 years of recent oncology experience required.  Clinical education experience required.  Evidence of professional publications preferred.

License/Certification/Registration:
Licensed as a Registered Nurse in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts required.  Oncology Nursing Certification from ONCC (OCN or other) preferred.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide expert consultation across the Institute on the process of patient education, including teaching strategies and learning needs assessment.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to create innovative oncology education materials.
• Evaluate clinical advice against the evidence.
• Stays up to date with changing evidence and ensures education materials reflect new knowledge and recommendations.
• Organizes and authors clinical content for patients and caregivers with consideration to health literacy and adult learning principles.
• Evaluate and improve the effectiveness of patient education programs.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Extensive clinical expertise in oncology nursing.
• Experience in the development of education materials
• Ability to independently learn new clinical topics, including new anticancer therapies.
• Proficiency in computer applications.
• Knowledge of Plain Language and Health Literacy principles.
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent writing, editing, and proofreading abilities.
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work effectively in an interprofessional team and make independent decisions.
• Commitment to professional growth and compliance with nursing practice standards.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:       None

PATIENT CONTACT:     Minimal patient contact and limited to new initiatives.

SPECIAL WORKING CONDITIONS:

Hybrid: 2-3 days onsite per week.

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.