The Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Program at MD Anderson Cancer Center is dedicated to meeting the unique needs of patients ages 18-39 who are navigating a cancer diagnosis. This specialized program provides comprehensive, patient-centered care that addresses not only the medical aspects of cancer treatment, but also the psychosocial, fertility, survivorship, supportive care, and quality-of-life concerns that are especially important to this patient population. Working closely with multidisciplinary teams, the AYA Program helps ensure patients receive developmentally appropriate care throughout their cancer journey.
This Advanced Practice Provider (APRN or PA) position offers a unique opportunity to practice within a highly collaborative and mission-driven environment focused on improving outcomes for adolescent and young adult cancer patients. The APP will primarily support hospitalized AYA patients while partnering with oncology teams, inpatient services, social workers, and other healthcare professionals to coordinate comprehensive care. Opportunities may also exist to support patients in the outpatient AYA clinic setting.
In this role, you will provide direct diagnostic and therapeutic patient care across the continuum of treatment. Responsibilities include performing comprehensive assessments and physical examinations, developing and implementing treatment plans, managing symptoms and supportive care needs, ordering and interpreting laboratory and diagnostic studies, documenting clinical findings, coordinating inpatient and outpatient transitions of care, and serving as a key resource for patients and families. The APP will also play an important role in helping patients navigate complex issues related to fertility preservation, survivorship, quality of life, and palliative care.
A significant component of this role involves multidisciplinary collaboration and patient advocacy. You will serve as a liaison between patients, families, physicians, and care teams to ensure coordinated, compassionate care. Success in this position requires excellent communication skills, strong clinical judgment, and the ability to develop meaningful relationships with patients facing life-changing diagnoses during critical stages of adulthood.
This position also offers opportunities for professional development, education, mentorship, and research involvement. The APP will participate in teaching and mentoring learners and healthcare professionals, support evidence-based practice initiatives, engage in continuing education activities, and collaborate on clinical research protocols. Participation in professional organizations and institutional initiatives further supports career growth and leadership development.
The ideal candidate will have a passion for caring for adolescent and young adult oncology patients, strong clinical expertise, and a commitment to delivering compassionate, patient- and family-centered care. Candidates who enjoy working within interdisciplinary teams and supporting patients through complex medical and psychosocial challenges will find this role especially rewarding.
MD Anderson offers a comprehensive total rewards package, including paid medical benefits, generous paid time off, retirement plans, professional development opportunities, educational assistance, and additional benefits, along with the opportunity to build a meaningful career at one of the world's leading cancer centers while making a lasting impact on the lives of young adults facing cancer.
*The schedule for this position is Monday-Friday, 4 10- hour shifts. Evening and weekend call will be required on a rotating basis and will be supplemented with a stipend. Possible schedule, subject to change based on patient demand.
JOB SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES
Pediatric Oncology Knowledge
Maintains advanced knowledge of the principles of Pediatric, Adolescent, and Young Adult Hematology, Oncology, Endocrinology, and Survivorship.
Demonstrates expertise in chemotherapy, radiation therapy, supportive care, palliative care, and the philosophy of Patient/Family-Centered Care.
Utilizes evidence-based practice to guide clinical decision-making and optimize patient outcomes.
Clinical Practice
Provides assessment, triage, and therapeutic management of patient and family needs throughout the disease process as an integral member of the interdisciplinary healthcare team.
Direct Patient Care
In collaboration with physicians and other team members, provides direct patient care by:
Reviewing and becoming familiar with the patient's history and treatment protocol.
Conducting and documenting comprehensive health assessments.
Performing and documenting comprehensive physical examinations.
Developing and initiating appropriate care and treatment plans.
Following established protocols and clinical pathways appropriate to the service.
Continuously evaluating patient care outcomes and modifying plans as appropriate.
Ordering, reviewing, and following up on laboratory studies, diagnostic imaging, procedures, referrals, and consultations within scope of practice.
Writing appropriate clinical orders as needed.
Documenting clinical progress notes accurately and in a timely manner according to established standards.
Placing orders and consultations.
Coordinating care with other healthcare services and primary care providers, as needed.
Reporting findings and changes in patient status to physicians, as indicated.
Assisting in the triage of calls from patients, families, and primary care provider offices.
Dictating or transcribing notes within the electronic medical record (EMR).
Facilitating coordination of clinic flow, patient scheduling, and interdisciplinary team participation.
Care Coordination & Patient Support
Coordinates inpatient and outpatient services, including admissions, discharge planning, and transitions of care.
Assists patients and families in understanding and coping with the disease process, symptom management, quality-of-life concerns, and palliative care issues.
Promotes quality healthcare through the integration of current research findings into clinical practice.
Maintains effective communication with interdisciplinary treatment teams throughout the disease and treatment process.
Acts as a liaison between patients, families, physicians, and other healthcare personnel.
Utilizes resources available through the Children's Oncology Group (COG) website and MD Anderson electronic systems.
Professional Practice
Maintains current knowledge and understanding of clinical resources and professional organizations, including but not limited to:
o PubMed
o Children's Oncology Group (COG)
o International Society of Pediatric Oncology (SIOP)
o Association of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Nurses (APHON)
o MD Anderson electronic resources
Participates in the education and training of advanced practice nursing students, physician assistant students, nurses, and other healthcare professionals, as needed.
Ensures integration of patient safety and quality standards into clinical practice and care delivery.
Attends continuing education programs relevant to the clinical specialty area.
Participates in institutional professional, educational, and departmental activities to support the goals of the department, division, and institution.
Maintains active involvement in professional organizations relevant to clinical practice.
Mentorship
Serves as a mentor to staff and faculty through both formal and informal teaching opportunities.
Provides education regarding clinical issues related to leukemia, lymphoma, and hematologic malignancies.
Promotes principles of Patient/Family-Centered Care, including:
o Dignity and respect
o Information sharing
o Partnership
o Collaboration
Provides guidance related to supportive and palliative care practices, as appropriate.
Research
Participates in and collaborates on clinical research protocols.
Interviews patients regarding symptoms, side effects, toxicities, and clinical status related to investigational protocols.
Assesses patient eligibility, status, and protocol-related requirements associated with clinical research activities.
Collaborates with research nurses and study teams to ensure protocol compliance and adherence to research standards.
Education
Required:
Master's Degree in Nursing OR
Doctorate Nursing Practice
Degree may be waived for applicants who obtained recognition as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse from the Texas State Board of Nursing prior to 1/1/2003.
Graduate education and related Texas Board of Nursing authorization must be consistent with clinical practice area and patient population.
Work Experience
Required:
None
Licenses and Certifications
Required (upon hire):
Written authorization from the Texas Board of Nursing to function as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse
APRN - Adv Practice Registered Nurse OR
ACNP - Acute Care Nurse Practitioner OR
ACNPC - Acute Care Nurse Practitioner - AACCNCC OR
ACAGNP - Acute Care Adult/Geron NP OR
AGACNP - Adult-Gerontology AcuteCare NP OR
ACNPC-AG - Cert AD GEY Acute Care NP OR
AGPCNP - Adult-Gero Primary Care NP OR
AGNP - Adult/Gerontology NP OR
ACPNP - Acute Care Pediatric Nurs Prac OR
ANP - Adult Nurse Practitioner OR
FNP - Family Nurse Practitioner OR
GNP - Gerontological Nurse Prac OR
PNP - Pediatric Nurse Practit OR
PMHNP - Psych/Mental Health NP OR
WHNP - Womans Health Nurse Pract. OR
APNP - Adv Pract Nurse/Prescriptive
Related authorization must be consistent with clinical practice area and patient population
BLS - Basic Life Support AND
PALS - Pediatric Advanced Life Support if working in the following departments: Pediatric - Patient Care (113100)
MAY BE REQUIRED: Authorization for limited prescriptive authority by the Texas Board of Nursing
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center offers excellent https://www.utsystem.edu/offices/employee-benefits/ut-retirement-program/voluntary-retirement-programs, tuition benefits, educational opportunities, and individual and team recognition.
This position may be responsible for maintaining the security and integrity of critical infrastructure, as defined in Section 113.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code and therefore may require routine reviews and screening. The ability to satisfy and maintain all requirements necessary to ensure the continued security and integrity of such infrastructure is a condition of hire and continued employment.
It is the policy of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center to provide equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by institutional policy or by federal, state, or local laws unless such distinction is required by law.http://www.mdanderson.org/about-us/legal-and-policy/legal-statements/eeo-affirmative-action.html
Additional Information
Requisition ID: 181441
Employment Status: Full-Time
Employee Status: Regular
Work Week: Day/Evening, Rotating
Minimum Salary: US Dollar (USD) 117,500
Midpoint Salary: US Dollar (USD) 146,500
Maximum Salary : US Dollar (USD) 176,500
FLSA: exempt and not eligible for overtime pay
Fund Type: Hard
Work Location: Onsite
Pivotal Position: No
Referral Bonus Available?: Yes
Relocation Assistance Available?: Yes
LI-Onsite
