Oncology Nurse Residency Program
Transitioning New Nurses to Oncology Nurse Practice
The Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Oncology Nurse Residency Program (ONRP) is a 12-month program that develops new graduates into successful oncology nurses through specialized experiences.
The ONRP has Practice Transition Accreditation Program (PTAP) Accreditation with Distinction through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). PTAP designation is a global standard for residencies and fellowships.
Nurse Residency Tracks
Adult Clinical Research Nurses
Adult clinical research nurses care for patients participating in clinical trials. They attend clinic visits alongside the patient's care team to ensure all research-related assessments are completed.
These nurses use evidence-based practice and specialized expertise to develop and coordinate a care plan that supports each patient's physical, emotional, and social needs throughout the clinical trial. They also help support caregivers during the research process.
Adult / Pediatric Infusion Nurses
Adult and pediatric infusion nurses provide treatments such as chemotherapy and immunotherapy based on each patient's diagnosis and care plan. They are specially trained in venous access, medication administration, and identifying and managing infusion reactions.
During clinic visits, infusion nurses closely monitor patients to ensure treatment is delivered safely and that patients are well enough to return home. In addition to clinical care, they support patients and caregivers physically, emotionally, and socially.
Adult Inpatient Nurses
Adult inpatient nurses care for patients who need ongoing hospital-based support. Patients may be admitted for close monitoring, symptom management, or intensive treatment.
These nurses provide 24/7 care and support patients and caregivers with their physical, emotional, and social needs during hospitalization. They are trained in administering oncology treatments, managing treatment-related symptoms, and caring for complex cancer-related conditions.
Patients in the inpatient setting may receive standard cancer treatment or participate in research-based treatment. The inpatient team cares for patients with all types of cancer.
Oncology Nurse Residency Program Roadmap
The first month of the program, each resident participates in simulation and skills sessions while they complete curriculum to lay the foundation for oncology nursing. Curriculum includes cancer basics, fundamentals of chemotherapy/immunotherapy and interprofessional shadowing. The introductory precepted experience is in one of the four tracks which continues through intensives and transition to practice experiences.
Throughout the year, residents cross-train within roles outside their track, allowing them to gain an appreciation for the full team that cares for each patient and how they fit into that team. All four tracks have a shared curriculum and themes for monthly professional development residency days. Successful residents then apply to a full-time nursing position in their given track.
Opportunities Unique to ONRP
As part of ONRP, nurses have access to experiences that support professional growth, broaden clinical expertise, and foster community connection, including:
- Cross-training across the full spectrum of oncology care
- Support for professional development through participation in symposia, seminars, and conferences
- Volunteering in the Boston community to better understand social drivers of health
- Monthly peer support
- Year-long mentorship
- Emphasis on health literacy and patient teaching
- Participation in the Visual Arts in Healthcare program at local art museums which trains healthcare workers using visual arts methods that build essential skills such as empathy, teamwork, respect, curiosity, and cultural responsiveness
Eligibility
- Baccalaureate degree or higher in nursing from an accredited nursing program
- No prior experience working as a registered nurse
- Licensed as a Registered Nurse in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts by the start of the residency program
- Candidates should demonstrate commitment to both the fields of oncology nursing and community health
How to Apply
Positions are periodically posted on the Dana-Farber Careers portal under "Oncology Nurse Residency Program - New Graduate Nurse."
If you would like to be added to our mailing list about future information sessions or opportunities, please email dfci_onrp@dfci.harvard.edu with your name, email, expected graduation date, and track of interest (Adult Infusion; Adult Inpatient; Clinical Research, or Pediatric Infusion). Availability of track varies by cohort.