The bone marrow transplant and oncology fellowship provides an opportunity for both the beginning practitioner and experienced nurses with a non-oncology background to develop skills in caring for this unique patient population.

Oncology patient care, based on the Standards for Oncology Nursing Practice, challenges the nurse to develop a broad knowledge base encompassing the physical, psychosocial and spiritual aspects of the human experience. A focus on multidisciplinary care within the context of primary nursing allows the oncology nurse to become a valued team player.

The Oncology Nursing Society's Core Curriculum provides the foundation for generalist oncology nursing with an opportunity to attain specialist certification. In addition, membership in the Oncology Nursing Society grants the practitioner opportunities for networking, scholarship, research and career enhancement.

Oncology patients suffering from solid tumors or hematologic malignancies require complex, high acuity care. Close working relationships with the National Cancer Institute certified Lombardi Cancer Center ensure opportunities to care for patients enrolled in multicenter clinical trials. Treatments such as surgery, radiation, standard and high dose chemotherapy, monoclonal antibodies, and hematopoetic growth factors allow nursing to make a unique contribution in evaluating and managing treatment sequelae. Oncology nurses develop high level assessment and evaluation skills, coordinating and integrating clinical patient information throughout their practice. Close relationships with the Lombardi Cancer Center facilitate care across the continuum.

Bone marrow transplant nursing allows the nurse to work in the uniquely complex field of allogenic and autologous peripheral stem cell transplantation or cord blood transplantation. Transplants are done in both the adult and pediatric setting. Nurses work with patients throughout the process of treatment beginning with initial diagnosis, treatment, apheresis and culminating with care throughout the entire transplant process. Nursing's role in patient education, care coordination and unique relationship to both patient and family is often the key to transplant success.

The BMT/Oncology fellowship will integrate theoretical classroom instruction with clinical practice. A preceptorship with oncology certified nurses for extended periods in both oncology and bone marrow transplant settings will enrich the oncology nursing experience. Clinical experience in the oncology outpatient setting, radiation oncology and apheresis will complete the comprehensive overview of nursing in the highly specialized, complex, challenging and rewarding field of oncology.