Nurse perspectives regarding the meaningfulness of oncology nursing practice

Background: Recruiting, retaining, and training oncology nurses is challenging given the stress levels associated with a field with constantly evolving treatments and a need for expertise in death and dying. Objectives: This research was conducted to assess what is unique about oncology nursing, to identify what motivates oncology nurses to continue working in the specialty, and to determine what sustains them in daily practice. Methods: A phenomenologic approach was used to analyze data. Findings: Nurses identified three main themes: the importance of vulnerability and thankfulness in patients, the feeling of spirituality associated with oncology practice, and the value of being in the moment and recognizing priorities as meaningful aspects of oncology nursing.