Rewards and difficulties of oncology nursing.

PURPOSE

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

DESIGN

Multi-institutional, descriptive, qualitative.

SETTING

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

SAMPLE

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.

FINDINGS

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.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE

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.