title: Perceived benefits and challenges of an oncology nurse support group.
abstract: This study explores the perceived benefits and barriers of participating in a monthly oncology nurse support group. Ten oncology nurses participated in an average of seven support group meetings over a one-year period. Interviews were conducted, transcribed, analyzed, and thematized using qualitative descriptive methods. Clear benefits for oncology nurses are indicated; participants described a reduction in end-of-life care stress, an increase in self-care, and improved patient and team care. Barriers include scheduling and compensation, as well as group leadership labors. This study provides further confirmation that oncology nurses receive multiple benefits from the support group structure. Peer support groups for oncology nurses seem a promising and economical communication intervention for mitigating burnout, professional dissatisfaction, patient care distress, and interprofessional communication deficits.
authors.affiliation: Markey Cancer Center and in the Department of Communication, University of Kentucky in Lexington.
authors.forename: Elaine
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Wittenberg-Lyles
authors.affiliation: Department of Communication, University of Memphis in Tennessee.
authors.forename: Joy
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Goldsmith
authors.affiliation: College of Communication, University of Kentucky.
authors.forename: Jenna
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Reno
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002173:Cancer Care Facilities; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007857:Leadership; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009740:Nursing Staff / Q000523:psychology*; D009859:Oncology Nursing; D010379:Peer Group; D012648:Self Care; D012657:Self-Help Groups; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000628:therapy; D013997:Time Factors
keywords: nurse; oncology; self-care; support group; workplace stress