Occupational stressors in oncology nurses: A qualitative descriptive study

Area of Science:

• Nursing Science
• Occupational Health
• Psychology

Background:

• Oncology nurses operate in high-stress environments, potentially impacting their well-being.
• Limited research exists on work-related stressors specifically from the oncology nurses' viewpoint.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore oncology nurses' perceptions of work-related stressors.
• To identify key factors contributing to stress in oncology nursing.

Main Methods:

• A qualitative descriptive study was conducted.
• Semi-structured interviews were performed with 52 oncology nurses across eight cancer treatment centers in Iran.
• Conventional content analysis was used to analyze the interview data.

Main Results:

• Four main categories of stressors were identified: personal ability, physical environment, psychosocial safety, and organizational context.
• Subcategories included person-job fit, psychological competencies, working conditions, equipment, safe work environment, patient care challenges, work-life balance, social recognition, organizational support, interpersonal relations, justice, and human resources.
• These factors collectively shape the work-related stress experienced by oncology nurses.

Conclusions:

• Interventions are needed to mitigate work-related stress in oncology nursing.
• Developing nurses' personal abilities and optimizing the physical, psychosocial, and organizational environment are crucial.
• Programmes to protect the occupational health of oncology nurses are essential.