At Moffitt Cancer Center, we recognize the importance of a smooth transition from nursing student to practicing clinician. Our goal for our newly licensed registered nurses is to provide an environment that prepares them to function safely, accurately and compassionately. To facilitate the transition and to promote adoption of oncology as a specialty practice, we have developed an Oncology Nurse Residency Program.
This program equips novice nurses to:
- Develop ability in clinical decision-making
- Expand capacity for critical thinking
- Develop clinical autonomy in patient care
- Incorporate research-based evidence into practice
- Strengthen commitment to oncology nursing through promotion of professional growth and job satisfaction
Newly licensed nurses complete a two week classroom orientation before moving to the clinical area. During week three, nurse residents will move to clinical areas to begin unit orientation with their preceptors. The length of time in unit orientation varies, but is generally completed in 12 to 16 weeks. For the first twelve months of practice, nurse residents will participate in programs outside of their unit for one day each month. The focus of nurse residency programs will vary; at Moffitt the residency lasts for one year and includes both clinical and professional topics such as the examples listed below.
Professional Topics
- Delegation, Prioritization, and Time Management
- Teams: Composition and Generational Considerations
- Stress Reduction and Self-Care
- Evidence-Based Practice and Performance Improvement
- Communication
- Conflict Resolution
- Professional Advancement
Clinical Topics
- Patient- and Family-Centered Care
- Patient Assessment and Documentation
- Cultural Considerations
- Chemotherapy: Theory and Practice
- Pain Management
- Oncology Symptom Management
- Oncologic Emergencies
- Code Blue
- End-of-Life Care
In addition to time in the classroom and simulation, nurse residents will meet with their residency group monthly to reflect on collective experiences and challenges. This reflective practice leads to developmental insight and assists in closing the gap between theory and practice.
Moffitt offers two cohorts a year: March and August. In order to fall in line with when you graduate and are licensed as a Registered Nurse, we hire in May, June and July for the August cohort, and December, January and February for the March cohort.
Requirements
- Graduated from an NLNAC or CCNE accredited nursing baccalaureate program (BSN)
- Have less than 1 year of experience or have never worked as a Registered Nurse
At Moffitt, the Oncology Nurse Residency Program is evidence of our ongoing commitment to the nursing profession and the newest members of our team.
Join us in our mission to contribute to the prevention and cure of cancer!
Start your application process here.