Wayne Chowaniec

My interest in healthcare began when I studied traditional Chinese medicine for several years. I then transitioned into nursing after graduating from Seton Hall University in 1998 with my Bachelor of Science in Nursing. My career in oncology launched first at a large Mesa, Arizona hospital inpatient unit, then at a Phoenix area community oncology practice. I returned to my home state of New Jersey in 2000, beginning a long career at the Cancer Center of Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston New Jersey. In 2012, I received my Master of Science in Nursing degree from Seton Hall University and became board certified as an adult primary care nurse practitioner. I received my advanced oncology nurse practitioner certification and was offered an opportunity back in the southwest at the University of New Mexico, an NCI Comprehensive designated Cancer Center in the hematology department.

The pull of the east coast and family proved too strong, and I returned to Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center. There I led the acute care hematology/oncology Nurse Practitioner team for the next eight years. I performed bone marrow biopsies routinely and managed the acute care needs of oncology patients across disease spectrums. During the Covid pandemic, I continued to perform acute care services for existing oncology patients and to provide support and consultative services for common and uncommon associated hematologic disorders related to Covid. In 2021, I was the inaugural recipient of the Loretta Ford Nurse Practitioner award at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center.

I have extensive experience in, but not limited to, consultative benign/malignant hematology and general medical oncology. I have worked with nearly every disease type over my career in some capacity. With more than 25 years of dedicated oncology experience, I am excited to be part of Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, supporting the bone marrow transplant and cellular therapeutics team. My other interests include spending as much time as possible with close family, enjoying music and woodturning.

Our Advanced Practice Providers work in collaboration with the physicians in their respective oncology programs and may not always be scheduled directly.