1. Analysis of the experiences of nurses who return to nursing after cancer.
- Author
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Edward KL, Giandinoto JA, and McFarland J
- Subjects
- Adaptation, Psychological, Australia, Clinical Competence, Empathy, Female, Humans, Interviews as Topic, Middle Aged, Resilience, Psychological, Social Support, Cancer Survivors psychology, Life Change Events, Nurses psychology, Return to Work
- Abstract
Background: understanding the impact of role ambiguity (both professional and patient) can be a factor in deepening the understanding of the ongoing personal, professional and organisational requirements of nurses who are cancer survivors., Purpose: the aim of this qualitative study was to elucidate an in-depth description of nurses' experiences of surviving cancer., Method: an exploratory qualitative research design was used (n=8), with participants recruited between September 2014 and December 2016., Discussion: data analysis led to the emergence of six themes: being practical about the diagnosis and treatment, empathy and compassion, a 'new normal' and the role of organisational support, medical knowledge and treatment experiences, coping in silence and denial, and being resilient., Conclusion: nurses as cancer survivors who return to work offer a richness of experience related to enhanced empathetic responses to patients in their care and have the potential to be great practice role-models for other staff.
- Published
- 2017
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