Oncology nursing workforce: challenges, solutions, and future strategies

Area of Science:

• Global Health
• Nursing Science
• Oncology

Background:

• The oncology nursing workforce is critical for achieving Sustainable Development Goals related to non-communicable diseases and universal health coverage.
• Significant challenges, including nursing shortages, recruitment barriers, and burnout, threaten the oncology nursing workforce.
• The impact of COVID-19 on oncology care and nursing practice requires immediate attention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the essential role of oncology nurses in global cancer control.
• To identify challenges facing the oncology nursing workforce worldwide.
• To discuss solutions and future directions for strengthening the oncology nursing workforce.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and synthesis of current challenges and documented solutions.
• Analysis of the impact of COVID-19 on oncology nursing.
• Examination of strategies for recruitment, retention, education, and occupational safety.

Main Results:

• Oncology nursing shortages, recruitment barriers, and burnout are significant global issues.
• Innovative strategies and interventions are documented to address workforce challenges.
• Retention of experienced nurses is critical, especially in resource-constrained countries.

Conclusions:

• Strengthening the oncology nursing workforce is essential for global cancer control and achieving health-related Sustainable Development Goals.
• Addressing recruitment, retention, education, and well-being are key strategies.
• Oncology nurses must assume greater leadership roles in policy and cancer control planning.