A fellowship programme is being offered for cancer nurses in Europe as an extension of ESO’s Clinical Training Centres Fellowship programme for oncology physicians. This fellowship programme is held in collaboration with the European Oncology Nursing Society (EONS) 

The aim is to encourage the reduction of variability in outcomes of cancer care between countries, as well as within regions in each country, by giving cancer professionals the chance to experience working in multiprofessional teams in accredited centres in Europe. 

The nurses’ clinical training centres programme will offer cancer nurses the opportunity to spend a period in a clinical setting specially designed to increase knowledge, improve professional development and to encourage mobility within EU and different countries. 

At the end of the training period at the host centre, it is anticipated that candidates, as well as having improved their skills and knowledge in cancer nursing, will be given a good overview of all the issues involved in the running of a successful Cancer Unit.

Applicants will be requested to indicate by order of preference for what centre they would like to apply.

The following accredited centres will offer CTC fellowships to oncology nurses: 

• European Institute of Oncology, Milan, Italy
• Champalimaud Clinical Centre (CCC), Lisbon, Portugal
• Oncology Institute of Southern Switzerland, Bellinzona, Switzerland

At the end of the training period at the host centre it is anticipated that candidates, as well as having improved their skills and knowledge in cancer nursing will also be given a good overview of all the issues involved in the running of a successful Cancer Unit. 

Centres will offer either: 

• "observership" training periods (direct contact with patients is not foreseen) 
  or 
• "residency" training periods (contact with patients is foreseen). Eligibility for either observership or a residency depends on the regulations in each country. 

Grant 
ESO will refund travel costs (economy fare, from location of residence to the location of the training centre and return) and a grant of: 
 
EUR 2.000 gross per month.

Accommodation is not provided and is to be arranged by the trainee.

Structured educational programme

The following are some of the direct contact education experiences that will be available to successful candidates. These are divided into clinical teaching activities common to all cancer types, as well as those specific to the different specialties and cancer types. The candidate could observe all types of cancer service during the visit. The candidate will, as an observer, follow the work of clinical cancer nurses in their daily practice. 

General experience

Become an integrated member of the specific cancer team to which the candidate is attached. Attend a variety of cancer services available at the hosting centre, such as cancer wards, follow-up services, nurse-led services, clinical trial units, oncology emergency service, palliative/supportive care service and treatment units such as chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy units.

Specialty and/or disease specific experience 

Some host centres will offer disease specific programmes for specialised nurses, please see centre programmes for details. It will be possible to discuss with each successful candidate what mix of the above suits his/her particular needs. 

The cancer nurse will have a designated supervisor/mentor during the visit. The nurse and the supervisor will meet weekly to discuss progress and expectations. 

Profile of the candidate

• At least two years’ experience in clinical cancer nursing.
• Member of an EONS member society or individual member of EONS.
• Approval from their current employer.

Priority will be given to European cancer nurses coming from countries that do not offer specialist training in cancer nursing and nurses who have participated in an ESO-EONS Masterclass.
Eligible nurses will be able to apply for a period of 1 months, depending on the centre and the programme offered.

Centres will offer either ‘observership’ training periods (direct contact with patients is not foreseen) or ‘residency’ training periods (contact with patients is foreseen). Eligibility for either observership or a residency depends on the regulations in each country.

For further information, please contact Elena Fiore at efiore@eso.net. 

Congratulations to the following nurses who have been selected for a Clinical Training Center Fellowship in 2024.

Nikolas Politis (Greece) 1 month observership Champalimaud Clinical Centre, Lisbon, Portugal

Evangelia Kritikou (Greece) 1 month observership European Institute of Oncology (IEO)