Oncology Nurses' Experiences of Counseling with Cancer Patients

Park, Eun Young

Abstract

PURPOSE: To explore and describe the essence of oncology nurses' experiences of counseling with cancer patients. METHODS: Qualitative research with a phenomenological study. Participants were 6 oncology nurses who had worked as a clinical nurse specialist or an education-counseling nurse. Data were collected through individual semi-constructed interviews and analyzed with a thematic approach according to Colaizzi's method. RESULTS: Seven themes emerged from the data: harmony of education and counseling, burdening, useless self-blaming, getting more matured, experiencing rewards and meanings, internalized strategies for counseling, and needs for self growth. CONCLUSION: The study highlights the significant impact of counseling with cancer patients by oncology nurses. Oncology nurses experienced both positive and negative aspects of being involved in cancer care. They stated that they were personally growing and getting maturated with the counseling experience. Sometimes they felt sad when the patient's status was progressed. They learned and internalized counseling skill during the communication with cancer patients. They wanted to learn about the practical course of counseling and communication method and the psychology of cancer patients.