Post Graduate Fellowship in Oncology Nursing

The mission of the Post Graduate Fellowship in Oncology Nursing is to prepare and train advanced practice nurses to function as clinical experts in the complex environment of oncology care.  APRN fellows are paid, full-time employees of MD Anderson Cancer Center. They receive paid time off and other benefits, including health insurance. 

Eligibility:

• Minimum of a clinical master's degree in nursing from an accredited nursing program by May, prior to fellowship start date
• Unencumbered licensure as a registered nurse by the Texas Board of Nursing prior to the fellowship start date
• Unencumbered licensure as an APRN in the nurse practitioner role by the Texas Board of Nursing in one of the following Nurse Practitioner titles: Adult, Adult Gerontology, Acute Care, or Family Nurse Practitioner, prior to the fellowship start date

Clinical focus

Fellows have the opportunity to spend additional time in two areas reflecting their clinical interests.

Professional meetings

During the course of the year, the fellow will attend institutional conferences and grand rounds, as well as professional organization and society meetings.   

Some examples include:

• Houston Chapter Oncology Nursing Society (HCONS) monthly meetings
• APRN Leadership Council at MD Anderson
• National conference for oncology APRNs
  

Nursing research and evidence-based practice (EBP)

Fellows will integrate nursing research and evidence-based practice into the fellowship as follows:

• Read current research and guidelines pertaining to the clinical rotation and implement accordingly
• Present and participate in weekly case studies related to the role of the oncology advanced practice nurse
• Author an evidence-based manuscript on a topic relevant to oncology advanced practice nursing and submit for publication

Evaluation

The APRN fellow will be guided through the core program by advanced practice providers who will review the fellow’s progress on a regular basis and serve as preceptors during the fellow’s clinical rotations.

Overview of curriculum

• Program Orientation
• Specialty Curriculum
• Core Curriculum
• Clinical Immersion/Focus

Core curriculum:
 

• Breast
• Endocrine (Thyroid)
• Gastrointestinal cancers
• Genitourinary cancers
• Gynecology Oncology
• Leukemia
• Lymphoma
• Melanoma
• Thoracic (Lung)
• Multiple Myeloma
• Neuro Oncology
• Sarcoma

What is the purpose of the fellowship?

The goal of this fellowship is to provide advanced practice registered nurses an opportunity to enhance their expertise in cancer care and to carry that expertise throughout Texas, the nation, and the world to promote excellence in oncology nursing and positively impact the care of oncology patients and their families. Through completion of the fellowship, the fellow will gain in-depth experience in clinical oncology practice with selected experience in oncology focused teaching, clinical research application and utilization, presentation and publication.

How is the fellowship offered?

The fellowship is offered as a twelve-month clinical based experience along with didactic training, simulation, and skills workshops. In addition, fellows will participate in a curriculum of clinical study that will ensure exposure to the entire spectrum of oncology care, from prevention to end of life.

Where is the fellowship offered?

The fellowship is offered at the The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, TX.

When is the program offered?

The fellowship is currently offered annually, September through August. 

How many fellowship positions are available?

Historically, up to four fellowship positions are available for the 12-month program. 

What APRN specialties are eligible to apply for the Fellowship?

Adult Gerontology, Acute Care, Adult, and Family nurse practitioners are encouraged to apply for the fellowship.  For nurse practitioners specializing in acute care, there is an opportunity for a critical care immersion during the fellowship.

If I specialize in oncology during my graduate program am I eligible to apply for the fellowship?

Texas Board of Nursing looks closely at specialized programs.  We recommend submitting your transcripts for our review as early as possible for us to evaluate possible eligibility.

When are applications accepted to the fellowship?  

• Applications for the fellowship open in late fall
• Selected applicants may be asked to participate in digital and/or phone interviews
• In-person interviews are required for final applicants

I am currently enrolled in a graduate Nursing Program.  When am I eligible to apply for the fellowship program?

To be considered for the fellowship program, you must have graduated no later than the preceding May of the September fellowship start date. You must also take and pass your certification exam immediately after graduation to allow adequate time, if you are accepted into the fellowship, for the credentialing and privileging process to be completed before the start date. You cannot start the fellowship program until a Texas RN license and Texas APRN license are obtained.

What should I expect if I am selected for an in-person interview?

Applicants should be prepared to assume the travel and lodging costs for the interview. MD Anderson may assist with coordinating hotel arrangements and shuttle transportation if needed. The interview process will encompass one full day. The applicant will meet with MD Anderson nursing directors, advanced practice registered nurses, and administrative staff. A tour of the campus will be provided. The candidates will not be required to give a presentation. Business attire is highly recommended.

What stipend and benefits are offered?

The fellow will be a full-time employee at MD Anderson and will receive a salary suitable for an advanced practice registered nurse. An excellent benefits program is offered, which includes comprehensive medical insurance; dental, vision and life insurance are available at low cost. There is no financial support for relocation and living expenses, but relocation information may be provided.

What support is offered for attending conferences and educational seminars?

There are division travel guidelines and requirements applicable for all staff and educational trainees, including arrangements for registration, airfare and other accommodations. The program will determine the appropriate meetings for fellow attendance.

What other support is available to the fellows during the fellowship?

The MD Anderson Cancer Center's Research Medical Library provides electronic access with excellent search capabilities and collaboration with library staff, as well as reference manager software training. Faculty and staff will help mentor fellows through the program with structured support.  Fellows are also matched with an APRN mentor during the program with similar clinical interests.

What living arrangements are available for the fellows?

Houston offers a wide variety of housing opportunities including many apartments and townhouses near the Texas Medical Center. Many apartments offer shuttle service to the Medical Center complex. New fellows are responsible for any costs associated with relocation to the Houston area

What entertainment and cultural opportunities are available in the Houston area?

Houston has numerous entertainment opportunities for the enjoyment of the arts, theater, sports, recreation, dining, and shopping. The city offers major league sports, and special attractions such as the NASA/Johnson Space Center, and the beaches of the Texas Gulf Coast.

Application deadline and interview requirements

• Applications for the fellowship beginning September 2020 will open in September 2019.  Please check back frequently for updates.

Complete the following steps to apply for the Post Graduate Fellowship in Oncology Nursing:

• Fellowship Candidate Application Form
• Statement of Intent Applicants should submit a one-page, 12-point font, double-spaced statement describing career goals and reasons for pursing the fellowship. Include future career plans and how they might be enhanced by additional training in the fellowship. The statement of intent is NOT a cover letter and is an important document, which is included in the consideration of your application.
• Curriculum Vitae Current CV indicating educational background, professional experience, volunteer experience and other relevant information.
• Unofficial Transcript(s) from your graduate nursing program
  
• Three professional recommendations using the required recommendation forms.  Professional recommendations may be submitted by:  graduate nursing faculty or clinical instructors, APRNs and/or physicians who are familiar with your work as an APRN, including clinical/student experiences. Recommendations should reflect your knowledge and practice as an advanced practice nurse.
  

Tips for a Successful Application

• Submit all documents together at one time with the exception of professional recommendations
• Use the same personal email address on all forms; using a work or school email is discouraged
• Use the same name on all forms

For assistance, please email aprnfellowship@mdanderson.org.

Information submission

Submit completed Fellowship Candidate Application Packet to aprnfellowship@mdanderson.org or fax to 713-563-9000 (subject line or attention: Post Graduate Fellowship in Oncology Nursing) 

On-site interview

An on-site interview is required for applicants who have been selected as candidates. Candidates are responsible for the travel costs for the on-site interview.