How a Paired Preceptor Program Is Helping NPs Transition to Oncology Practice in Hawaii

Christa Braun-Inglis, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, AOCNP, of the University of Hawaii Cancer Center and the University of Hawaii School of Nursing and Dental Hygiene, described an oncology paired preceptorship for Doctor of Nursing Practice students in Hawaii at JADPRO Live 2025.

Launched in 2021, the program addresses a shortage of oncology providers across the state, particularly on Hawaii’s neighbor islands. It fills a gap where no formal postdoctoral internships or fellowships currently exist by training nurse practitioners to practice at the top of their scope in oncology care.

The curriculum was expanded last year to two clinical semesters. The first semester is an introduction to oncology and clinical fundamentals; the second is an advanced oncology course that immerses students in clinical practice and incorporates clinical research as part of standard-of-care training. The program follows Oncology Nursing Society nurse practitioner competency standards to guide learning objectives.

Since expansion, two additional students graduated last year: one is practicing in oncology and the other is focused on cancer care through an internship at the VA. Preceptors in the community—experienced oncology advanced practice providers—are recruited to mentor students and guide clinical rotations.

Braun-Inglis emphasized that academic-community partnerships are effective in small and large communities. Because most nursing education is generalist, the program identifies local oncology leaders willing to partner with the School of Nursing to advance specialized training and improve patient care.

Rural and underserved communities face particular challenges in training and retaining advanced practitioners. Many areas lack connections to academic centers, leaving advanced practice providers without mentorship and support while caring for complex cancer patients. The program aims to extend training and outreach to neighbor islands to help close that gap.

Looking ahead, program leaders are discussing possible post-graduate fellowships that would require additional funding and could include physician associates as well as nurse practitioners. For now, the collaboration remains tied to the School of Nursing and focuses on expanding access to oncology training across Hawaii, where roughly 90 percent of advanced practice providers are nurse practitioners.