For Patients & Families

The Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Registered Nurse Residency Program is a 12-month program that builds on the education and skills of newly licensed nurses (NLNs) and prepares them to practice nursing in ambulatory oncology settings.

Throughout this year-long position, nurse residents are immersed in all aspects of oncology nursing care in an environment that supports learning and growth. The curriculum is centered around Oncology Nursing Scope and Standards Practice (2019) and Nurse of the Future Competencies (2016).

Residents are provided with mentorship and guidance throughout the program as they focus on developing critical reasoning in oncology, advancing their nursing skills, and increasing their comfort in providing nursing care for complex, diverse patient populations. Skill development areas include assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of nursing care for oncology patients.

The Residency program works toward increasing diversity in the oncology nursing workforce at Dana-Farber by identifying nurses with experience in and commitment to working with diverse populations. The curriculum has a focus on social determinants of health and health equity.

Successful transition into clinical nursing practice is a primary goal of this program. Upon completion of this program, residents may apply for a permanent nursing position at Dana-Farber.

"A residency gives you the time to transition into the nursing profession, and provides support and mentorship throughout the year-long program. I felt prepared when I graduated the program and confident in my practice."

— Alberto Ortega, BSN, RN, (Graduate, Infusion Residency, 2021), currently an infusion nurse at Dana-Farber