Oncology Nurses’ Perceptions of Potential Stressors in Cancer Care

Nurses working in oncology settings are posed with issues that are potential sources of stress to them. The main objective of this study was to identify the potential issues that are considered sources of stress among oncology nurses. This descriptive study was conducted among 86 nurses working in oncology units in three selected teaching hospitals. A convenient sampling technique was adopted to select the participants. The tool for data collection was a self structured questionnaire constructed based on themes derived from literature review. Study result indicated that increased workload and taking care of critically ill patients are the major sources of stress among oncology nurses. Other sources include lack of support from the organization the nurses work with and challenges with caring for dying patients and relatives. Administrators, managers and individuals interested in furthering the goals of oncology care, including nurses themselves, are therefore challenged to create and maintain mutually supportive environment for providing optimal care to patients and families.