ONS President Jessica MacIntyre on APP Fellows and Survivorship

In this episode of Onc Nurse on Call, Jessica MacIntyre, DNP, MBA, APRN, NP-C, AOCNP, president of the Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) and assistant vice president for Advanced Practice at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami, discusses the critical infrastructure required to support the modern oncology workforce. As the oncology landscape becomes increasingly complex, MacIntyre emphasizes that the transition from registered nurse to advanced practice provider (APP) requires more than just a degree; it requires a structured, specialized foundation.

Bridging the Gap for APPs

MacIntyre highlights the success of Sylvester’s oncology APP fellowship program, which boasts a 100% retention rate across 19 graduates. By decoupling APP orientation from general nursing tracks, her organization addresses specific needs such as billing, compliance, and specialty-specific clinical mentoring. This "advanced practice reporting to advanced practice" model ensures that APPs practice to the full scope of their licensure while receiving the professional development necessary to manage complex patient populations.

Redefining Survivorship Through Innovation

The conversation shifts to the growing survivor population—projected to reach 22.4 million by 2035. MacIntyre advocates for the National Cancer Institute (NCI) definition of survivorship, which begins at diagnosis. To manage this volume across 12 satellite locations, Sylvester utilizes SMS and email technology to standardize education, ensuring that psychosocial and supportive care needs are addressed outside of brief clinical encounters.

Equity in Dermatologic Care

A major highlight of the discussion is the ONS initiative, partnered with La Roche-Posay, to develop an image-based database of skin toxicities across diverse skin tones. MacIntyre notes that this resource is vital for equity, as it allows clinicians to accurately identify and treat treatment-related rashes and toxicities in patients of color, preventing unnecessary treatment interruptions and improving body image outcomes.

Future Outlook for Oncology Nursing

As she nears the end of her ONS presidency, MacIntyre remains focused on education, including the launch of a post-master’s oncology certificate for nurse practitioners. Her message to the next generation is clear: stay curious, seek mentorship, and recognize that oncology offers an unparalleled variety of career paths, from navigation and research to executive leadership.