Registered Nurse (RN), Inpatient Oncology Per Diem

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 61,000 - 152,000; Part time

Job summary

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is seeking an experienced RN to provide inpatient oncology care at Mount Auburn Hospital under our collaborative umbrella. Per diem shifts include day and night coverage with comprehensive interdisciplinary support and a strong mission-driven culture.

You will administer chemotherapy/immunotherapy, manage central lines, educate patients, and contribute to quality initiatives in a fast-paced environment with a focus on safety and compassionate care.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in nursing required or BSN preferred.
• 1 year of RN experience preferred, oncology/hematology experience in inpatient or infusion setting.
• Massachusetts RN license required; ONS/ONCC cert required or to be obtained within 6 months.
• BLS required; ACLS preferred depending on area.

Responsibilities

• Deliver direct oncology nursing care with assessment, care planning, symptom management and evaluation.
• Administer antineoplastic and supportive therapies; monitor infusion reactions and adverse events.
• Manage central venous access devices; blood draws and transfusions per policy.
• Educate patients and families on diagnosis, treatment plans, self-care, and discharge instructions.
• Document care in Epic; maintain medication administration records and flowsheets.
• Participate in quality and safety activities and research protocols as applicable.
• Collaborate with physicians, APPs, pharmacists, social workers, and research staff.
• Serve as charge nurse or preceptor as needed.

Skills

Chemotherapy

Immunotherapy

Central line care

Infection control

Epic EMR

Patient education

Team collaboration

Critical thinking

Medication safety

Oncology nursing

Education

Associate degree in Nursing

BSN preferred

Massachusetts RN license

Tools

Epic

Job description

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.

Shift: Day shift and night shift positions available

Schedule: Per Diem

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.

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.

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 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.

Pay Transparency Statement

The hiring range is based on market pay structures, with individual salaries determined by factors such as business needs, market conditions, internal equity, and based on the candidate’s relevant experience, skills and qualifications.

For union positions, the pay range is determined by the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).

$44.14 - $109.51

EEO Poster

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.