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Clinical Development Specialist - Leukemia Unit
The Clinical Development Specialist (CDS) is the clinical expert for hematology/oncology nursing within the inpatient Leukemia Unit. The CDS elevates nursing practice, strengthens clinical competency, and improves patient outcomes by integrating evidence‑based care, coaching staff, and collaborating with the inpatient nursing leadership team and across the interprofessional team members.
MD Anderson offers our nurses:
- Paid employee medical benefits (zero premium) starting on first day for employees who work 30 or more hours per week
- Group Dental, Vision, Life, AD&D and Disability coverage
- Paid time off (PTO) and Extended Illness Bank (EIB) paid leave accruals
- Paid institutional holidays, wellness leave, childcare leave, and other paid leave programs
- Tuition Assistance Program after six months of service
- Teachers Retirement System defined-benefit pension plan and two voluntary retirement plans
- Employer paid life, AD&D and an illness-related reduced salary pay program
- Health Savings Account and Dependent Care Reimbursement flexible spending accounts
- Fertility benefits
- State of Texas longevity pay
- Extensive wellness, recognition, fitness, employee health programs, and employee resource groups.
JOB SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES
Clinical expert in hematology/oncology nursing to assist in developing and educating inpatient unit staff on the application of services that align within an interprofessional team
Clinical Expertise & Staff Development
- Serves as the go‑to expert for complex hematology/oncology patient care.
- Coaches, mentors, and evaluates nursing staff to build clinical judgment and technical skills.
- Designs and delivers education in partnership with nursing education and unit leadership.
- Ensures practice aligns with oncology standards, infusion guidelines, and institutional policies.
- Identifies and validates annual competencies.
Outcome & Quality Management
- Uses data, event reports, and quality metrics to identify trends and drive improvements.
- Integrates safety and regulatory standards into daily practice.
- Synthesizes patient outcome data to influence care delivery.
- Participates in performance improvement initiatives at micro and macro levels.
Leadership & Knowledge Transfer
- Guides teams through change, fosters teamwork, and promotes psychological safety.
- Advocates for system improvements and professional nursing practice.
- Supports continuity of care, discharge planning, and patient/family education.
- Leads interprofessional planning and ethical discussions.
- Mentors staff to adopt evidence‑based practice.
Interprofessional Collaboration & Direct Clinical Insight
- Builds strong relationships across disciplines to optimize patient outcomes.
- Collaborates with providers, patients, and families to plan and evaluate care.
- Identifies barriers to care and works toward solutions.
- Supports patient autonomy and shared decision‑making.
- Maintains clinical competency and can step into point‑of‑care needs when required.
EDUCATION
- Required: Graduation from an accredited school of professional nursing.
- Preferred: Bachelor's Degree Nursing.
WORK EXPERIENCE
- Required: 5 years Registered nursing experience.
LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS
- Required: RN - Registered Nurse - State Licensure State of Texas Professional Nursing license (RN) Upon Hire and
- Required: BLS - Basic Life Support Upon Hire or
- Required: CPR - Cardiac Pulmonary Resuscitation Upon Hire
- Preferred: ACLS - Advanced Cardiac Life Support Certification as required by patient care area. Upon Hire
- Preferred: PALS - Pediatric Advanced Life Support Certification as required by patient care area. Upon Hire
- Preferred: Board certified (RN-BC) in Professional Development by the American Credentialing Center. Upon Hire
- Preferred: OCN - Oncology Nurse Certification Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation. Upon Hire
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, paid time off, retirement, tuition benefits, educational opportunities, and individual and team recognition.
This position may be responsible for maintaining the security and integrity of critical infrastructure, as defined in Section 113.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code and therefore may require routine reviews and screening. The ability to satisfy and maintain all requirements necessary to ensure the continued security and integrity of such infrastructure is a condition of hire and continued employment.
It is the policy of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center to provide equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by institutional policy or by federal, state, or local laws unless such distinction is required by law.http://www.mdanderson.org/about-us/legal-and-policy/legal-statements/eeo-affirmative-action.html
