Experiences of oncology nurses regarding self-compassion and compassionate care: A qualitative study

The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of oncology nurses about self-compassion and compassionate care.

The concept of self-care is emphasized in detail in the literature, and not much is known about the concept of self-compassion among nurses. Beyond the definitions of self-compassion and compassion in the literature, there is a need to explore and express the meaning of self-compassion and compassion in the context of oncology nursing.

This is a descriptive qualitative study. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 19 oncology nurses working in the oncology service of a university hospital. Interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis through an inductive approach. Consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative studies (COREQ) were used to ensure the comprehensive reporting of this qualitative study protocol.

Two themes emerged: (1) compassion through the eyes of oncology nurses and barriers to compassionate care fall under the theme of wounded healers, and (2) self-compassion through the eyes of oncology nurses, barriers to self-compassion, and self-care as a dimension of self-compassion fall under the theme of caring for our suffering: self-compassion.

Although nurses think that self-compassion is important, they do not show self-compassion. There are personal and organizational barriers to compassionate care and self-compassion for oncology nurses.

These findings show that oncology nurses need personal and organizational resources for their self-compassion. The existence of programs to develop self-compassion can offset the effects of being in a caregiving position. Oncology nurses must request these services from organization, managers and even policymakers. The existence of policies that also consider the mental health of nurses can pave the way for compassionate care.