After an extensive vetting process, she was one of only five nursing students selected for the 2021 Susan D. Flynn Oncology Nursing Fellowship Program at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. The 10-week program is designed to foster the professional development of pediatric oncology nurses.

“CHOP has always been my dream job,” Marchiano said. “During my fellowship, not only did I shadow oncology RNs, but I also had the opportunity to work in a variety of oncology areas with nurses in different roles. I was able to see a variety of procedures, like lumbar punctures and bone marrow biopsies. I got the full experience of oncology. But it was the interaction between the patients and nurses that struck me as truly special.”

Through the School of Nursing’s holistic approach to patient care, Marchiano gained valuable insight into the benefits of addressing a patient’s physical, spiritual, emotional and social needs when providing care. During her fellowship, she was able to apply what she’d learned in her Quinnipiac classrooms to the oncology care unit, working directly with children and their families.

“The experience underscored all I’d learned about the importance of compassionate patient care. I understand how vital it is to listen to the patient,” Marchiano said. “Sadly, sometimes all you can do is sit and listen. What I had never fully realized was how the holistic aspect of nursing can create a meaningful experience, not only for the patient, but for their nurse as well.”

Marchiano credits the close ties she developed with her nursing professors and the faculty’s field expertise in helping her to secure the competitive fellowship position.

“My professors mentored me through every step of my Quinnipiac nursing education. I like how the material is presented in a clinical way that also showcases their love for teaching, making the course load fun and understandable,” she added. “QU’s clinical simulations and lab courses prepared me to handle the many techniques I was asked to perform in the hospital.”

After graduation, Marchiano will focus on passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) and beginning her career as an RN. She hopes to explore health care globally through travel nursing.

“Nursing provides a lot of room for growth, so there’s always more to learn,” Marchiano said. “When I visited Quinnipiac’s nursing simulation labs, I knew I would be receiving a strong education with hands-on training. It was the perfect fit for me. Getting the Flynn Fellowship at CHOP has definitely been a highlight of my Quinnipiac experience.”