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. 

Prerequisites:

• Minimum of a clinical master's degree in nursing from an accredited university by May, prior to fellowship start date
• Licensed as a nurse practitioner by the Texas Board of Nursing, prior to fellowship
  
• Licensed as a registered nurse by the Texas Board of Nursing, prior to fellowship
  

Clinical focus

Fellows will choose up to two services, for a total of 12 weeks of clinical immersion

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
• APRN Monthly Education Meetings 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. Advanced practice providers will serve as preceptors during the fellow’s clinical rotations.

Summary

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

Core curriculum
 

• Breast
• Endocrine (Thyroid)
• Gastrointestinal: Colorectal and Pancreatic
• Genitourinary:  Bladder, Prostate and Renal
• Gynecology Oncology
• Leukemia
• Lymphoma
• Melanoma
• Thoracic (Lung)
• Multiple Myeloma
• Neuro Oncology
• Sarcoma

What is the goal 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 based 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 thru August. 

How many fellowship positions are available and what are the requirements?

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

What APRN specialties are eligible to apply for the Fellowship?

Adult Gerontology, Acute Care, Adult, and Family APRNs are encouraged to apply for the fellowship.  For APRNs 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?  

• The deadline to apply is January 31 each year.  
• Telephone and/or digital interviews are scheduled for February and March.
• In-person interviews for final applicants are planned for April.

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 have to graduate no later than May in the year the fellowship begins in September.  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 can not start the fellowship program until a Texas RN license and Texas APN 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's nursing directors, Advanced Practice Registered Nurses, and administrative staff. A tour of the facilities 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. Priority conferences and programs will reflect the fellow’s clinical focus area.

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. Faculty and staff will help mentor fellows through the program with structured support.  Fellows are also matched with a mentor during the program.

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.  Parking in the Medical Center complex is limited and can be costly.

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

We are no longer accepting applications for the 2017-2018 fellowship program.  The application deadline was January 31, 2017.

• Fellowship applications are accepted from December 19, 2016 through January 31, 2017.
• Telephone and/or digital interviews are scheduled for February and March.
• In-person interviews for final applicants are planned for April.

The following must be submitted to be considered for selection.   

Complete the following forms for the Post Graduate Fellowship in Oncology Nursing:

• Fellowship Candidate Application Form (PDF)
• A Statement of Intent (include your name and do not exceed one typewritten page).  State your career goals and reasons for pursing the fellowship. Include future career plans and how they might be enhanced by your additional training in the fellowship. Your statement of intent is NOT a cover letter and is an important document, which is included in the consideration of your application.
• Curriculum Vitae Template (please use the template provided)
• Unofficial Transcript(s) from your Graduate Program
  
• Three professional recommendations using the required Recommendation Form.  Professional recommendations may be submitted by:  supervisors, school of nursing graduate faculty or clinical instructors, APRNs and/or physicians who are familiar with your work as an APRN, including clinical/student experiences.
  

Tips for a Successful Application

• 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 Form 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.  The in-person interview for the 2017-2018 fellowship program is planned for April.  Candidates are responsible for the travel costs for the on-site interview.