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Rewards and difficulties of oncology nursing
M Z Cohen1, M R Haberman, R Steeves
1Office of Nursing Research, University of Southern California Department of Nursing.
Oncology Nursing Forum
|September 1, 1994
Summary
Oncology nurses find rewards in patients, colleagues, and skill development, but these same areas can cause stress. Understanding nurses
Area of Science:
- Nursing
- Oncology
- Qualitative Research
Background:
- Oncology nursing is a demanding specialty.
- Understanding nurse perceptions is crucial for retention and effective patient care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore oncology nurses' perceptions of work-related rewards and challenges.
- To identify key factors contributing to job satisfaction and stress in oncology nursing.
Main Methods:
- Multi-institutional, descriptive, qualitative study.
- Phenomenological approach with content analysis of interviews.
- Data collected from 38 oncology nurses across six diverse US sites.
Main Results:
- Primary rewards stemmed from patients, co-workers, and acquiring new skills.
- These rewarding aspects also presented significant challenges and sources of stress.
- Additional stressors included administrative support, time constraints, and personal life demands.
Conclusions:
- Oncology nurses' work experiences are a blend of common and highly personal factors.
- Rewarding elements of the job can also be sources of difficulty.
- Tailored support and resources, considering individual nurse realities, are essential for effective patient care.