J Korean Acad Nurs.  2015 Feb;45(1):147-156. 10.4040/jkan.2015.45.1.147.

Return to Work Experience among Military Officers with Cancer

• Son M
• Lee JS

• KMID: 2363071
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4040/jkan.2015.45.1.147

Abstract

PURPOSE
This study was done to describe the return to work experience of military officers with cancer.
METHODS
Individual in-depth interviews with 15 participants were conducted between September 2013 and April 2014. Participants were interviewed 1~4 times; interviews continued until the data became saturated. Data were analyzed using Strauss and Corbin's grounded theory.
RESULTS
The core category emerged as "living a new life after enduring difficulties". The return to work process consisted of four sequential phases: chaos, positive thought formation, behavior practices, and reformation. Action/interaction strategies used by military officers with cancer to resolve enduring difficulties were controlling emotions, accepting reality, prioritizing health, making efforts to improve relationships, and looking for future jobs.
CONCLUSION
These results will promote understanding of military officers' return to work experience following cancer survival, and will be helpful in developing more effective nursing interventions through enhanced perspectives and insights of practitioners.

Keyword

Cancer; Return to work; Qualitative research

MeSH Terms

Adult
Female
Health Behavior
Humans
Interviews as Topic
Male
Middle Aged
Military Personnel/*psychology
Neoplasms/*diagnosis/pathology
Return to Work
Social Support

Figure

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  Figure 1 The return to work process among military officers with cancer.

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