Over the summer of 2026, Villanova nursing student Amanda Pinou completed the Flynn Fellowship in Oncology at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, where she gained invaluable clinical experience while caring for oncology patients.
“My professional development experience this summer as a Flynn Fellow in Oncology at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (HUP) has been one of the most meaningful and transformative experiences of my nursing education. Working alongside expert oncology nurses and multidisciplinary teams allowed me to develop both clinically and professionally while caring for patients facing some of the most complex diagnoses.
Throughout the fellowship, I strengthened my clinical skills by participating in patient assessments, medication administration, central line care, chemotherapy safety education, and interdisciplinary rounds. Beyond the technical skills, I learned the importance of compassionate communication, patient advocacy, and providing holistic care to oncology patients and their families. I gained confidence in thinking critically, asking questions, and becoming an active member of the healthcare team.
One of my biggest successes was seeing how much my confidence grew over the eight-week program. By the end of the fellowship, I felt comfortable taking on greater responsibility, communicating with providers, and building meaningful relationships with patients. The experience confirmed my passion for oncology nursing and showed me the profound impact nurses have during some of the most challenging moments in a patient’s life.
Several tools helped me succeed throughout the fellowship, including PennChart (Epic), evidence-based resources, and mentorship from experienced oncology nurses who were always willing to teach and encourage me. Their guidance helped me connect classroom knowledge with real-world patient care and inspired me to continually seek opportunities to learn.
I am especially grateful to the Villanova faculty and Career Center staff who encouraged me throughout the internship application process. The internship/externship panel gave me the confidence to apply for competitive programs like the Flynn Fellowship, and the support of my professors and mentors helped me believe I was capable of succeeding. Their encouragement ultimately led me to an experience that has shaped my professional goals and strengthened my desire to pursue a career in oncology nursing.”
