TY - JOUR
T1 - Touched by a nurse
T2 - the imprint of exemplary oncology nursing care.
AU - Perry, Beth
PY - 2006
Y1 - 2006
N2 - This paper examines the relationship between exemplary oncology nursing practice and professional fulfillment. What inspires nurses to choose oncology and, subsequently, what gives them impetus to continue in this field? To answer this question, oncology nurses were invited to recall moments in their careers when they were satisfied that they had chosen the "right" career. Data, in narrative form, were collected through an online research technique. Submissions were analysed using three approaches, narrative analysis (Priest, Roberts, & Woods, 2003), poetic interpretation (van Manen, 1990) and photovoice (Woolrych, 2004). Findings reveal that oncology nurses who provide excellent care, and make strong connections with their patients, are also usually very satisfied with their careers. Specifically, nurses provide exemplary care and report attaining professional fulfillment when they achieve connection with those in their care by affirming value and sharing humour. Second, caregivers feel they are making a difference when they "see patients through" the care trajectory. Nurses accomplish this in part by helping people live on, individualizing care, enabling hope, and helping individuals find meaning. It is anticipated that this paper will reawaken memories of similar experiences in caregivers, thus enhancing confidence, self-esteem and energy and reminding nurses that they do unquestionably leave an imprint.
AB - This paper examines the relationship between exemplary oncology nursing practice and professional fulfillment. What inspires nurses to choose oncology and, subsequently, what gives them impetus to continue in this field? To answer this question, oncology nurses were invited to recall moments in their careers when they were satisfied that they had chosen the "right" career. Data, in narrative form, were collected through an online research technique. Submissions were analysed using three approaches, narrative analysis (Priest, Roberts, & Woods, 2003), poetic interpretation (van Manen, 1990) and photovoice (Woolrych, 2004). Findings reveal that oncology nurses who provide excellent care, and make strong connections with their patients, are also usually very satisfied with their careers. Specifically, nurses provide exemplary care and report attaining professional fulfillment when they achieve connection with those in their care by affirming value and sharing humour. Second, caregivers feel they are making a difference when they "see patients through" the care trajectory. Nurses accomplish this in part by helping people live on, individualizing care, enabling hope, and helping individuals find meaning. It is anticipated that this paper will reawaken memories of similar experiences in caregivers, thus enhancing confidence, self-esteem and energy and reminding nurses that they do unquestionably leave an imprint.
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=39049179355&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.5737/1181912x1613740
DO - 10.5737/1181912x1613740
M3 - Journal Article
C2 - 17078349
AN - SCOPUS:39049179355
SN - 1181-912X
VL - 16
SP - 37
EP - 45
JO - Canadian oncology nursing journal = Revue canadienne de nursing oncologique
JF - Canadian oncology nursing journal = Revue canadienne de nursing oncologique
IS - 1
ER -