Caring for the Caregivers: Innovative Program for Oncology Nurses

Published in Canadian Oncology Nursing Journal, the following study details an innovative program that provides staff nurses in a cancer facility with an opportunity to learn about coping with stress in their practice. Benefits in the program were seen at an individual as well as a care-delivery level. Evaluation forms and subsequent in-depth interviews suggested connecting with other cancer nurses, supporting each other, and sharing stories about their work-life experiences resulted in benefits to the nurse as an individual, as a team member, and as a professional practitioner. Future research initiatives could explore links between attending such a program and reduction in feelings of stress or in rates of absenteeism. The findings suggest cancer leaders can provide support for staff by forming partnerships with agencies with expertise in such programs.