Date of Conferral

2022

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Nursing

Advisor

Deborah Lewis

Abstract

Cancer is a leading cause of death in the United States. Individuals diagnosed with the disease experience physiological and psychological burdens due to its effects. As a result, cancer care constantly exposes health care professionals to challenging personal and professional demands. Effective coping mechanisms are associated with better well-being and career longevity for nurses and improved outcomes for patients. Although researchers have examined resilience and burnout among health care professionals, they have not fully considered these concepts in terms of oncology nurses' professional experiences or explored what factors may mitigate burnout for these professionals. The purpose of this qualitative study was to investigate the lived experience of oncology nurses to better understand their development of protective mechanisms to manage work-related stressors. The Neuman systems model provided the theoretical framework for this study. A purposeful sample of five oncology nurses participated in two semi-structured interviews. An interpretative phenomenological analysis was conducted, which included case-by-case and cross-analysis. Four central themes were identified: (a) processing experiences, (b) utilizing supportive resources, (c) gaining and applying knowledge, and (d) transforming relationships. The findings reveal that the participants learned to see beyond the context of their immediate environment, which played a significant role in fostering career longevity and well-being for them as nurses and ensuring quality care for their patients. The results support positive social change by providing a greater understanding of the lived experience of oncology nurses, who constantly adapt and combat the negative effects of traumatic workplace environments

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