Fellowship Program to Develop the Next Generation of Oncology Nurses

An oncology nursing fellowship program for undergraduate nursing students has the potential to help develop a much-needed talent pool for the next generation of oncology nurses. By raising awareness of the value of this program, the Oncology Nursing Society can help foster expansion of this program nationally to help address the growing need for oncology nurses. Improving awareness about this program could lead to the establishment of similar fellowship programs at other cancer hospitals and undergraduate nursing schools. This program provides an opportunity for experienced oncology nurses to serve as preceptors and program managers at leading cancer hospitals, select and mentor program participants, and, ultimately, recruit and develop future mentors for the program. At a Glance Oncology nursing is a very specialized and important field that could benefit from more emphasis at the undergraduate education level. Leading cancer hospitals and undergraduate nursing schools can play a significant role in helping to develop the next generation of oncology nurses. The Susan D. Flynn Oncology Nursing Fellowship is a model program with the potential to help address the need for more and better-prepared oncology nurses.