Registered Nurse (RN), Inpatient Oncology

Registered Nurse (RN) at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

At Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, nursing is a profession of innovation, compassion, and excellence, recognized nationally with Magnet designation for outstanding practice and patient care. As part of our new clinical collaboration, you'll deliver inpatient oncology care at Mount Auburn Hospital, backed by Dana-Farber's expertise, resources, and supportive team culture. This is a chance to make a meaningful impact, work alongside top clinicians, and help shape the future of cancer care, including opportunities in our upcoming freestanding adult inpatient cancer hospital.

The Registered Nurse (RN) at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute provides evidence-based oncology nursing care across inpatient care units. The RN is responsible for conducting comprehensive assessments, developing care plans, and ensuring the safe administration of chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and supportive therapies. Additionally, the RN is involved in symptom management, patient and family education, and coordinating care within the interdisciplinary team. Key responsibilities include adhering to clinical protocols, hazardous drug handling and infection prevention standards, as well as meeting regulatory requirements. The RN is also instrumental in ensuring accurate documentation, improving patient throughput, and contributing to quality improvement initiatives. This role is expected to align with and actively support Dana-Farber Cancer Institute's mission, vision, and core values of Impact, Excellence, Compassion & Respect, Discovery, and Inclusion in all aspects of its work.

Shift: Days

Schedule: 24 hours per week, with rotating weekends

This position is eligible for part time benefits

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

Deliver direct oncology nursing care, including comprehensive assessment, individualized care planning, symptom management, and evaluation of patient outcomes for adult oncology patients and families.

Administer antineoplastic agents and supportive therapies per protocols and ONS standards; verify orders, complete independent double checks, and monitor for and manage infusion reactions and adverse events.

Manage central venous access devices (e.g., ports, PICCs); perform access, maintenance, blood draws, and blood product transfusions per policy; ensure safe use of infusion equipment and PPE.

Provide patient and family education on diagnosis, treatment plans, self-care, side-effect management, and discharge instructions; coordinate multidisciplinary resources and community referrals.

Document care in Epic in accordance with regulatory and institutional standards; maintain accurate medication administration records, flowsheets, and patient education documentation.

Participate in quality and safety activities (e.g., safety huddles, infection prevention, hazardous drug handling, Joint Commission readiness) and support clinical research protocols as applicable (e.g., protocol adherence, specimen handling, adverse event reporting).

Collaborate with physicians, advanced practice providers, pharmacists, social workers, and research staff; contribute to effective team communication, handoffs, and patient throughput.

May serve as charge nurse, preceptor, or mentor; provides functional direction to licensed and unlicensed support personnel in accordance with scope of practice and institutional policies.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Proficiency in chemotherapy/immunotherapy administration per ONS guidelines; working knowledge of oncology pharmacology and side-effect profiles.

Competence in central line care and infusion therapy; ability to administer and monitor blood products per policy.

Ability to recognize and respond to oncologic emergencies (e.g., infusion reactions, febrile neutropenia, tumor lysis syndrome) and escalate care appropriately.

Strong patient education skills with ability to tailor communication to diverse populations and varying health literacy levels; commitment to culturally competent, trauma-informed care.

Proficiency with EMR systems (Epic preferred); accurate and timely clinical documentation and electronic medication administration.

Knowledge of infection prevention, hazardous drug handling (USP <800>), PPE requirements, and universal precautions.

Effective triage, prioritization, and time management skills for varying acuity in a fast-paced ambulatory environment.

Collaborative team skills; ability to work across interdisciplinary teams and support clinical research activities.

Critical thinking, clinical judgment, problem-solving, and ability to function effectively under stress.

Professionalism, accountability, and adherence to ANA Code of Ethics and institutional policies.

Minimum Job Qualifications

Associate degree, Nursing. A Bachelor's degree in nursing is strongly preferred, and candidates with an associate degree must complete a BSN within 4 years. 1 year of recent experience as a Registered Nurse is preferred. Acute care nursing experience preferred; oncology/hematology experience in an Inpatient or ambulatory infusion clinic setting preferred. Experience with electronic medical records (e.g., Epic) preferred.

License/Certification/Registration Required

Current unrestricted Massachusetts Registered Nurse (RN) license required. ONS/ONCC Chemotherapy/Immunotherapy Certificate required or obtained within 6 months of hire (role-dependent). Oncology Certified Nurse (OCN) preferred. Basic Life Support (BLS) required; Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) preferred depending on work area.

Supervisory Responsibilities: No

Patient Contact: Direct and continuous contact with adult oncology patients and families in an inpatient environment.

Special Working Conditions: Exposure to hazardous drugs and biohazards; adherence to PPE and safe handling policies required. May require rotating shifts or extended hours based on operational and patient care needs.

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.

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.