Take-a-Break Intervention: Improving Oncology Nurse Wellness.

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Oncology
• Mental Health

Background:

• Oncology care demands increase staff stress, burnout, and compassion fatigue.
• The COVID-19 pandemic has worsened these challenges for healthcare professionals.
• Ambulatory oncology nursing requires a strong focus on patient and family partnerships and a healing environment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design, implement, and promote a well-being intervention for oncology clinic nurses.
• To foster a supportive and caring environment within ambulatory oncology settings.
• To address the mental health needs of oncology nurses.

Main Methods:

• A well-being intervention named Take-a-Break was developed.
• The intervention was implemented within an ambulatory oncology clinic.
• The intervention was promoted by an oncology clinic nurse and an advanced practice registered nurse.

Main Results:

• The Take-a-Break intervention was successfully designed and implemented.
• The intervention aimed to support nurses' well-being in a high-stress environment.
• The promotion involved collaboration between nursing staff and advanced practice providers.

Conclusions:

• Nurses' relationships with self, colleagues, and the community are crucial for high-quality oncology care.
• Well-being interventions are essential for supporting oncology nurses.
• Fostering a caring environment is key to patient- and family-centered care in oncology.