International hematology-oncology nursing education in Latin America

In countries with limited resources, the multidisciplinary hematology-oncology (H-O) treatment team model, which relies heavily on highly trained nurses, is generally not in use. Since 1996, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital has been working with medical centers in Mexico and Central and South America to improve the specialty training of nurses in pediatric H-O. In 1999, St. Jude developed a strategic plan to organize a cooperative nursing education project. The initial preparation consisted of three phases. In phase one, a curriculum was developed. A consultant was hired to create and institute an evaluation system for nurse graduates of the program and for the program itself. Phase two explored the possible collaborations among existing training centers and contracted with a nurse educator to provide on-site support. In phase three, a core team of skilled multicultural nursing educators was formed. To initiate the program, we used the "Teach the Teachers" method. Four classes to date have trained 76 nurses from different countries in Latin America. Development of the International Training Center for Hematology-Oncology Nurses in Latin America has been a challenging and rewarding experience. We hope that others will find it useful in planning international education programs that will not only serve the nursing profession, but also improve the quality of care of all children, regardless of their background, race, religion, or economic status.