Occupational stress in oncology nurse caregiving: caring for ourselves

The emotional work of oncology nurses is complex. Inherent in our job is the requirement to be exquisitely empathic. We must look after, respond to, and support numerous patients and their families. Fully present, we repeatedly listen to stories of sadness and despair. Intermittently, we must either display or suppress our emotions. All of this takes place in an occupational environment where support for the nurses' emotional well-being is nonexistent. Lacking are opportunities to vent emotions, sufficient time to grieve patients' deaths, and resources to help nurses cope with work-related stress.