Di Corpo, an honors student, was thrilled to be selected for the competitive fellowship. 

“Before my father passed, I promised him I’d work in oncology, and I absolutely love working with kids, so this was the perfect opportunity.”

During their fellowships, students had the chance to conduct assessments, chart, and assist with patient care. Students also completed an evidence-based practice project, applying research to improve patient care in pediatric oncology settings.

“It was very hands-on,” said Di Corpo. “Having a nurse guide us one-on-one and help us understand cancer, disease progression, patient care, and oncology treatments was vital.” 

Di Corpo, whose project focused on psychological care for pediatric oncology patients, also represented the Flynn Foundation at the Association of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Conference and Exhibition in Providence, Rhode Island, in September. 

Elizabeth Speakman, chief nurse administrator and senior associate dean of SON, called the Flynn Fellowship a transformative experience.

“It’s an extraordinary honor to have two UD SON students selected for Flynn Fellowships. This serves as a testament to the strength of our program,” said Speakman. “The Flynn Fellowship gives our nursing students unparalleled, hands-on experience in world-class pediatric oncology units, where they can strengthen their clinical skills and explore career paths in one of the most demanding areas of nursing.”

Fred Flynn, founder and president of the Flynn Foundation, praised the students’ accomplishments and potential.

“Erica and Jaidyn embody the special qualities we look for in our Flynn Fellows. They are very accomplished and engaged students, highly motivated, compassionate, and have a passion for oncology nursing,” Flynn said. “It was a pleasure to have them in our Fellowship program, and I’m confident they will be wonderful pediatric oncology nurses.”

A rewarding career path

Pediatric oncology nurses must hold it together at times when families are falling apart. It takes strength, patience, compassion and empathy.

“My mom always said, I have skills that can’t be taught,” said Morales-Devine. “Even on my hardest day, I never thought twice about what I wanted to do.”  

Di Corpo found herself constantly in awe of the children’s resilience. 

“They’re so joyful in some of their worst moments; it’s an incredible lesson for us,” she said. “Any of us could have been in their shoes as a kid, so it’s taught me that every day is a gift not to be taken for granted.” 

Both students leaned on their UD training, including rotations at Nemours Children’s Health, throughout the fellowship and their leadership with UDance, a student-run philanthropic organization that helps kids fight cancer.

“I wasn’t afraid to walk into a room and take vitals on a baby, and I knew how to administer medication,” said Morales-Devine. “CHOP gave me my first exposure to oncology.” 

Di Corpo said Healthcare Theatre simulations improved her communication with patients and families, while a rewarding study abroad experience in a psychiatric unit in the British Virgin Islands helped her develop confidence in her clinical judgment.

More importantly, the fellowship reinforced their calling. 

“It’s the little things that matter to kids – those moments where you can make them smile, or the parade we hold when they’re discharged from the unit,” said Di Corpo. “The Flynn Fellowship 100% solidified for me that I cannot see myself anywhere but a pediatric oncology unit.” 

After graduation, Morales-Devine will get to keep living her dream. She’s accepted a position as a nurse resident at CHOP.

“It’s actually a dream come true,” said Morales-Devine. “It always felt so out of reach, and now it’s my reality, and I’m so excited.”