Individuals who work in the field of oncology face unique emotional and psychological challenges in their work, especially nurses. The nature of cancer care, which involves chronic illness, end-of-life care, and developing deep patient relationships, can lead to compassion fatigue, burnout, and physical and emotional exhaustion.
To sustain their well-being and provide the best possible patient care, oncology nurses and leaders need both personal strategies and organizational support. Below are 3 key recommendations for oncology nurses and 2 additional strategies for nursing leaders to promote staff well-being and resilience.
Practice Reflective Self-Awareness Nurses, and all healthcare workers, should develop a daily practice of self-awareness of their physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being. Regular self-reflection helps nurses recognize emotional responses, identify stress triggers, and develop positive coping strategies.
Keeping a reflective journal, participating in frequent peer debriefings, or engaging in mindfulness practices, such as meditation or breath work, can enhance emotional regulation and promote personal growth. By acknowledging both the rewarding and difficult aspects of their work, oncology nurses can develop a stronger sense of purpose and self-compassion.
Develop Skills to Maintain Work-Life Harmony Establishing and protecting boundaries between professional and personal life is essential. But also understanding that it is impossible to keep these two areas of our lives separate.
Oncology nurses can benefit from scheduling regular downtime and breaks throughout the workday, limiting overtime when possible, and minimizing work-related communications during off hours.
By using self-awareness, nurses can begin to recognize when workloads become unmanageable and ask for help. This is a critical skill for preventing burnout in a high-pressure environment.
Build Peer Support Networks Fostering strong, supportive relationships with colleagues can create a buffer against emotional fatigue in the healthcare setting. Participating in small support groups, various case discussions, or informal check-ins with team members encourages mutual empathy and reduces feelings of isolation and stigma.
In addition, fostering a culture of nursing peer support enhances team morale and encourages open and candid conversations about emotional and mental well-being.
Promote a Culture of Psychological Safety Nursing leaders play a pivotal role in shaping a work environment where staff feel safe to express concerns, share vulnerabilities, and seek help without the fear of being judged.
Implementing regular team debriefings, promoting open communication, and recognizing the emotional demands of oncology nursing can reduce stigma around mental and emotional health. Training managers to round on their staff frequently, learning how to listen empathetically, and respond supportively is essential.
Provide Access to Well-Being Resources and Flexible Work Options Nursing leaders should ensure that staff have easy access to mental health services, resilience training, and well-being programs. Some examples include Stress First Aid and Mental Health First Aid trainings, peer support programs, and well-being workshops.
Offering flexible scheduling, rotating assignments to reduce emotional fatigue, and allowing time off after intense clinical periods can also help oncology nurses recover and recharge. Leaders who truly role model and encourage self-care, especially during the workday, help normalize its importance across the team.
Supporting resilience and well-being in the oncology healthcare environment requires a shared commitment between individual nurses and their leaders. By cultivating self-awareness, developing resiliency skills, fostering ongoing peer support, and receiving organizational backing, oncology nurses can sustain their physical, mental, and emotional health and continue to provide compassionate, high-quality care.
Gentry JE. Dietz JJ. Professional Resilience: Prevention and Resolution of Burnout, Toxic Stress and Compassion Fatigue. Outskirts Press. 2020.
Murthy V. The U.S. Surgeon General’s Framework for Workplace Mental Health & Well-Being. 2023. www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/workplace-mental-health-well-being.pdf
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