Abstract
Background: The oncology nurse plays a critical role in the delivery of quality nursing care to people with life-limiting conditions as they are among the most vulnerable of populations served by health services. Purposes: The study aims to explore needed competencies among nursing practicing in oncology facilities in hospital. Methods: An ethnography study was conducted in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam with a purposive sample of fifteen participants, including oncology nurses, nurse managers, medical doctors, and family relatives of patients with cancer. Data collection was by participant-observation, in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. Content analysis was used to analyze the data. Findings: Besides providing the regular nursing care as general nurses, nurses working in oncology settings response to specific services including end of life nursing care. Specific competencies among oncology nurses include Knowledge on science of cancer and complementary therapies; Understanding and sensitive on cultural and vulnerable groups; Knowledge and skills on palliative care and hospice; Special communication skills in vulnerable environment; and Specific essential characteristics requirement among oncology nurses. Conclusion: The knowledge generated would benefit nursing managers, nursing educators, and other significant personnel to pursue effective competency development strategies to nurses in order to achieve a high standard of nursing care in oncology settings.
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