Exploring the emotional labour of paediatric oncology nurses and its impact on their well-being: An integrative review

Purpose

To explore emotional labour in paediatric oncology nurses along with the negative impact of emotional labour on these nurses.

Methods

The MEDLINE, CINALH, ScienceDirect, and PubMed databases were searched for relevant evidence published from 2000 to 2023. Selected studies were evaluated for quality and synthesized into themes. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses literature search extension was followed.

Results

Eighteen empirical studies were reviewed. Nurses acknowledged the importance of managing and displaying emotions through emotional labour to gain patients' and families' trust and provide care in a safe and comfortable environment. They described emotional labour in the forms of empathy and close relationships. The frequency and intensity of performing emotional labour vary among nurses based on different factors. Nurses reported feelings associated with burnout, compassion fatigue, secondary traumatic stress, and emotional dissonance. The three main coping behaviours were avoidance, changing practice and sharing feelings.

Conclusion

Although using emotional labour facilitates high-quality care, it may negatively influence nurses' well-being without implementing effective supportive interventions. A considerable number of paediatric oncology nurses intended to leave the unit. The proposed solutions are to address this issue at the organizational level by providing training and support services to enhance nurses' competence in performing this high-level skill and minimize its negative impacts.