Caring for the caregiver in oncology and palliative care.

OBJECTIVES

To review the stressors and manifestations of stress present in oncology and palliative care settings and elucidate successful coping strategies.

DATA SOURCES

Review articles and research reports.

CONCLUSIONS

Professional care of advanced cancer patients and their families confronts nurses with a variety of challenges and stressors. Multiple strategies have been described in the literature to assist professionals to cope with stressful aspects of clinical practice. Research is needed to test the efficacy of these strategies.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE

Personal coping strategies and the development of supportive collaborative relationships within the work environment are essential to the enhancement of self-esteem and professional effectiveness.