Rewards and difficulties of oncology nursing.
OBJECTIVE
To describe oncology nurses' perceptions of the rewards and difficulties of their work.


METHODS
Multi-institutional, descriptive, qualitative.


METHODS
Six sites in different regions of the United States; rural and urban cancer and noncancer centers.


METHODS
38 oncology nurses (mean age = 35 years; average time in nursing = 10 years and in oncology = 7 years; 47% bachelor's degree in nursing, 29% diploma, 13% associate degree in nursing, and 11% master's prepared).


METHODS
Phenomenological; content analysis of interviews.


RESULTS
Nurses described sources and origins of both job stress and satisfaction. The three most important sources of rewards were patients, co-workers, and new skills. These sources of rewards also were described as sources of difficulties. Additional sources of difficulties include lack of competent administrators, lack of time, and life stresses.


CONCLUSIONS
Nurses' experiences with work are shaped by both common and very individual and personal realities. Aspects that are rewarding also are difficult, and individual experiences and perceptions change the meaning of work and the needs that nurses have. Considering the findings in the context of nurses' lives may yield more fruitful approaches to providing support and resources that nurses need to be able to provide effective care for patients and their families.
Cohen
M Z
MZ
Office of Nursing Research, University of Southern California Department of Nursing.
Haberman
M R
MR
Steeves
R
R
Deatrick
J A
JA
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D002055:Burnout, Professional / Q000523:psychology; D002983:Clinical Competence; D015400:Clinical Nursing Research; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D007588:Job Satisfaction; D008297:Male; D009723:Nurse-Patient Relations; D009859:Oncology Nursing; D012201:Reward; D013315:Stress, Psychological