A Phenomenological Study on Oncology Adaptation Experiences of New Nurses

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to understand the meaning and nature of adaptation experiences among newly employed nurses in oncology ward. Methods: The present study adopted a phenomenological method. The participants were 9 nurses employed for less than one year. Data were collected by using in-depth interviews. The question of this study was, “What are your experiences as a newly employed nurse in oncology?” Results: 150 significant statements were extracted from the data, and these were clustered into 5 main categories: a ‘Difficulty in performing the work of a cancer ward’, ‘problems with interpersonal relationships’, ‘striving to be a good nurse’, ‘satisfaction and rewarding nursing’, and ‘adapted oneself to be a nurse’. Conclusion: Newly employed nurses in oncology ward experienced and perceived feelings of difficulty in performing the work of a cancer ward, problems with interpersonal relationships, striving to be a good nurse, satisfaction and rewarding nursing, and adapting oneself to be a nurse. It is necessary to understand the experiences of new nurses, and to provide strategies that could help new nurses effectively adapt and find the meaning in their adaptation to work in oncology wards. Further research is needed on development of a program focusing on training to improve practicing ability and interpersonal relationships skills.