Analysis of the experiences of nurses who return to nursing after cancer

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.