Nurses' returning to work after cancer: A focus group study

Area of Science:

• Oncology Nursing
• Occupational Health
• Cancer Survivorship

Background:

• Nurses diagnosed with cancer encounter distinct challenges during their return to work.
• Limited understanding exists regarding the transition experiences of nurses returning to work post-cancer diagnosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the return-to-work experiences of nurses after a cancer diagnosis.
• To identify facilitators and challenges associated with nurses' return to clinical practice post-cancer treatment.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative focus group study utilizing content analysis and constant comparative approach.
• Member checking was employed to ensure the validity of findings.
• Participants included nurses diagnosed with any cancer type who had returned to clinical roles.

Main Results:

• Four primary themes emerged from five focus groups involving 17 female nurses.
• Themes included: motivation/incentives for return, hindrances to returning, navigating workplace dynamics, and evolving professional roles.
• Breast cancer was the most prevalent diagnosis (47.1%) among participants.

Conclusions:

• Returning to work as a nurse with cancer involves significant personal and professional growth alongside struggles.
• Insights gained can inform the development of strategies to support the ongoing careers of these nurses.
• Addressing the unique needs of nurses returning to work post-cancer is crucial for workforce retention.