Experiences of Returning to Work Among Nurses With a Diagnosis of Cancer: A Qualitative Descriptive Study

IF 3.7 3区医学 Q1 NURSING

International Nursing Review Pub Date : 2025-07-08 DOI:10.1111/inr.70057

Xiao-Chen Lyu, Cheng Chen, Thitinut Akkadechanunt, Li-Hung Lee, Lin-Lin Lee, Cheng-I Yang

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Background

Nurses spend their careers focused on caring for others. However, they may face the challenges of a serious illness and return to their professional roles, and their unique insights and experiences have not been sufficiently reported in existing research.

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to explore nurses’ experiences of returning to work following a cancer diagnosis and treatments.

Design

A qualitative descriptive method was used in this study.

Methods

This study involved participants from various hospitals across four provinces in China. A total of 25 qualified staff nurses diagnosed with cancer and currently working in hospitals were recruited through purposive and snowball sampling methods. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews. Analysis was completed using qualitative content analysis.

Results

Experiences of returning to work among nurses with a diagnosis of cancer can be grouped under three themes: (1) holistically adjusting to work, (2) controlling cancer-related disclosure, and (3) transformation in attitudes toward caregiving.

Conclusions

The experiences of nurses diagnosed with cancer who return to work, highlighting the need for timely physical and psychological support, workload adjustments, and job transition assistance.

Implications for Nursing and Health Policy

The research findings highlight the importance of providing timely support for nurses diagnosed with cancer as they return to their positions. Additionally, we recommend integrating interventions to help nurses prepare the proper mindset, enabling them to comfortably share their personal cancer-related experiences with patients when they are willing to assist patients.

查看原文本刊更多论文

诊断为癌症的护士重返工作岗位的经验：一项定性描述性研究

护士的职业生涯主要是照顾他人。然而，他们可能会面临一场严重疾病的挑战，回到他们的专业角色，他们独特的见解和经验在现有的研究中没有得到充分的报道。目的探讨护理人员在接受癌症诊断和治疗后重返工作岗位的经验。设计本研究采用定性描述方法。方法本研究纳入了来自中国四个省份不同医院的参与者。通过目的抽样和滚雪球抽样方法，共招募了25名诊断为癌症并目前在医院工作的合格护士。数据是通过半结构化访谈收集的。采用定性含量分析法完成分析。结果诊断为癌症的护士重返工作岗位的经历可分为三个主题：(1)整体适应工作；(2)控制癌症相关信息的披露；(3)护理态度的转变。结论癌症诊断护士重返工作岗位的经历，突出了及时的生理和心理支持、工作量调整和转岗协助的必要性。对护理和健康政策的启示研究结果强调了为诊断为癌症的护士在重返岗位时提供及时支持的重要性。此外，我们建议整合干预措施，帮助护士准备正确的心态，使他们在愿意帮助患者时，能够轻松地与患者分享他们的个人癌症相关经历。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

International Nursing Review 医学-护理

CiteScore

7.90

自引率

7.30%

发文量

审稿时长

6-12 weeks

期刊介绍： International Nursing Review is a key resource for nurses world-wide. Articles are encouraged that reflect the ICN"s five key values: flexibility, inclusiveness, partnership, achievement and visionary leadership. Authors are encouraged to identify the relevance of local issues for the global community and to describe their work and to document their experience.