Senior Director of Nursing, Inpatient Oncology

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

Boston, MA

Full Time

Overview

The Senior Nursing Director (SND) of the Inpatient Hospital at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is a pivotal leadership role, reporting to the Associate Chief Nursing Officer. This position carries 24-hour accountability for strategic and operational leadership of inpatient nursing services, ensuring the delivery of exceptional, compassionate, and patient- and family-centered care. The SND fosters a culture of excellence, collaboration, equity, and continuous improvement while aligning nursing practice with DFCI’s mission, values, and Professional Practice Model.

The SND is responsible for nursing practice, quality improvement, workforce development, regulatory compliance, fiscal planning, and strategic growth, and serves as a mentor to nursing leaders within the division. This role requires strong interdisciplinary collaboration and is critical in shaping the future of oncology nursing at Dana-Farber.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Nursing Leadership: Develop and implement nursing strategies that align with the Institute's goals and objectives, ensuring the highest standards of patient care. This involves setting a clear vision for nursing services and driving initiatives that support the Institute's mission.
• Management and Supervision: Supervise and support Nursing and Patient Care Services leaders, providing leadership and guidance to ensure effective management of nursing staff and operations. This includes fostering a collaborative environment and ensuring that nursing teams are well-equipped to deliver exceptional care.
• Workforce Development and Retention: Ensure effective nursing team recruiting, employee relations, workforce development, and retention. Support site leaders in team and leadership development to build a skilled and motivated workforce that meets the evolving needs of the organization.
• Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Collaborate with clinical and operational leaders to integrate nursing services with other departments, promoting interdisciplinary teamwork and communication. This ensures cohesive care delivery and enhances patient and family experiences.
• Regulatory Compliance and Quality Assurance: Ensure compliance with healthcare regulations and standards, implementing best practices in patient safety, quality assurance, and risk management. This involves maintaining a safe and effective care environment and continuously improving clinical operations.
• Advancement of Nursing Practice: Lead efforts to advance nursing practice and support a positive professional practice environment, including maintaining Magnet status and implementing clinical/nursing strategies. This includes driving innovation and excellence in nursing care.
• Mentorship and Professional Development: Mentor nursing colleagues, encouraging professional growth and development through coaching, training, and educational opportunities. Promote a culture of continuous learning and self-improvement, actively seeking opportunities for personal and professional development.

Qualifications

• Education Required: Master’s Degree
• Education Preferred: Doctorate
• Area of Study Required: Nursing
• Area of Study Preferred: Nursing Leadership
• Experience Required: Registered nurse with 10 years' experience in health care required, with progressive administrative experience.
• Experience Preferred: Oncology Experience
• License/Certification/Registration Required: Licensed as a Registered Nurse in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and/or New Hampshire as applicable.
• License/Certification/Registration Required: Leadership, Oncology, or Research Nursing certification (required within 2 years of employment)
• Extensive knowledge of nursing practices, healthcare regulations, and accreditation standards.
• Strong leadership and management skills, with the ability to inspire and guide a diverse team.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, capable of building effective relationships with staff, patients, and stakeholders.
• Proficiency in strategic planning, project management, and change management.
• Analytical skills to assess and improve clinical operations and patient care outcomes.
• Ability to navigate complex healthcare environments and drive organizational change.
• Commitment to professional development and continuous learning in the field of nursing. Understanding of system principles and the ability to implement integrated care strategies across the enterprise.
• Ability to mentor and support the professional development of staff, fostering a culture of growth and learning.

Special Working Conditions: 

Works in inpatient and office settings with possible exposure to hazardous materials or infectious diseases through airborne transmission or contact with blood or body fluids. Personal Protective Equipment is available for use in these settings.

May require regular travel to DFCI locations. Must have access to reliable transportation to travel to and from the various locations as needed.

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 equally committed to diversifying our faculty and staff.  Cancer knows no boundaries and when it comes to hiring the most dedicated and diverse professionals, neither do we. If working in this kind of organization inspires you, we encourage you to apply.

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is an equal opportunity employer and affirms the right of every qualified applicant to receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, national origin, sexual orientation, genetic information, disability, age, ancestry, military service, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.