Identifying outstanding clinical nurses: the 'star' shines in oncology

There are some oncology nurses who are special. They are 'good' nurses but they are more, somehow they 'shine'. They are 'stars'. Many nurses will identify the same nurse as a 'star' but what makes a nurse a 'star'? Twelve semistructured interviews were conducted in which oncology nurses were asked to describe an oncology nurse who stood out in terms of clinical practice. The 'star' nurse was easily and readily recalled and described by participants. Analysis revealed 21 grouped themes relating to the 'star' nurse. Each theme was allocated to one of four headings: 'Nurses' ways of Being; Doing; Knowing; and Giving and Receiving' (Stiles, 1990). The 'star' nurse is professional, committed and caring; delivers excellent nursing care both basic and technical; is knowledgeable; has advanced communication skills, and establishes strong relationships with clients and peers. From this, it is clear that caring and psycho-social aspects of care are only part of the make up of the 'star' nurse, and that the complexity of the 'star' nurse has not been highlighted in the literature.