Gianna Giannandrea, BSN, RN
Gianna Giannandrea, BSN, RN, is a Clinical Research Nurse specializing in gastrointestinal (GI) oncology at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. She has been practicing in oncology research nursing for approximately one and a half years. Gianna completed a one-year Oncology Nurse Residency Program on the research track, graduating in August 2025, and transitioned into her current role within the GI oncology group in March 2025. Her clinical work is centered on advancing cancer research through participation in complex clinical trials that aim to improve outcomes for patients with gastrointestinal malignancies.
In her current position, Gianna works closely with patients enrolled in Phase 1 clinical trials, providing comprehensive support throughout the entire research process—from informed consent and eligibility verification to active treatment and ongoing care. Her daily responsibilities include patient education, symptom assessment and management, care coordination, and ensuring protocol adherence. In addition to direct patient care, she contributes to the operational and administrative aspects of clinical research, including trial activation, ongoing maintenance, interdisciplinary meetings, and the development of patient and staff educational materials to support safe and effective study implementation.
Gianna’s path into nursing was shaped by a strong interest in both science and patient-centered care. Initially uncertain about traditional nursing roles, she discovered her passion for oncology and clinical research through her work at Dana-Farber, where she developed a deep commitment to advancing treatment options for cancer patients. She is a proud alumna of Emmanuel College (Boston), where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing and engaged in academic and peer tutoring roles. Beyond her clinical responsibilities, Gianna serves as a NextGen Nursing Ambassador with the American Nurses Association and remains actively involved in professional nursing and oncology-focused initiatives that promote advocacy, education, and the advancement of the nursing profession.
• Emmanuel College (Boston) - BSN
• CPR BLS
• Registered Nurse License
• Group 1: Biomedical Investigators and Key Personnel HSP
• GCP for Clinical Research
• Time Management Fundamentals
• Public Speaking Foundations
• Communicating with Confidence
• American Nurses Association (State and National Level)
• American Nurses Association Membership Engagement Committee
• American Nurses Association NextGen Task Force
• NextGen Nursing Ambassador with American Nurses Association
• Filipino Nurses Association of New England
• Oncology Nursing Society (International)
• Oncology Nursing Society Boston Chapter
Areas of Specialization/Expertise
- Phase 1 Clinical Trials
- Patient Education
- Symptom Management
- Care Coordination
- GI Oncology
What do you enjoy most about practicing medicine?
What drew me to clinical research nursing is how science and working with people intersect so largely in helping to advance medicine and patient care in so many different aspects. I've always been interested and drawn to the science world in general, and I really enjoy working with people and being interactive. I chose this field originally for the research aspect because I knew I still liked people and I still liked science. I happened to love oncology and I couldn't really imagine not working in oncology ever in the future. At the end of the day, knowing you're impacting someone's life and their family's lives is what keeps me going, even though it's a hard field to work in.