‘I feel like the final missing piece of the puzzle’: Examination of pediatric oncology nurses' experiences regarding healing care environment

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore pediatric oncology nurses' experiences related to the healing care environment in the pediatric hematology and oncology clinic, guided by Watson's Theory of Human Caring.

Design and method

A descriptive qualitative design was used for the present study. Semi-structured interviews were conducted from December 2022 to February 2023. Data were collected through in-depth individual interviews with 16 nurses at a university hospital's pediatric hematology and oncology clinic. A content analysis was performed. The Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) were used to ensure transparent reporting.

Results

The analysis identified three main themes, supported by 11 subthemes: ‘contribution of healing care behaviors’, ‘advantages of being a pediatric oncology nurse’, and ‘barriers to creating a healing environment’.

Conclusion

Watson's Theory of Human Caring could provide a useful and practical framework for conceptualizing the experiences of pediatric oncology nurses in the context of a healing care environment. This study revealed that nurses recognize the contributions of healing care behaviors for both patients and their parents. They observed positive effects and received feedback when providing emotional support through their presence. Working in a pediatric oncology clinic provided professional and personal development opportunities. However, nurses encountered challenges in creating a healing care environment, including compassion fatigue, fear of compassion, communication problems, and high workloads.

Practice implications

This study revealed the beneficial effects of nurses' caring behaviors in the clinic, emphasizing the critical role these behaviors play in patient outcomes.