As much as you care for your patients, it's important to step back occasionally
and make sure you're not overlooking your own health. Nursing journals cite studies
that show how oncology nurses are at higher risk for burnout,1 especially
with the growing intensity of treatment protocols, staffing shortages, reduced hospital
stays, and continuing pressure on the healthcare system.2
When surveyed, oncology nurses describe sources of job satisfaction in terms of
patients, coworkers, and new skills. Ironically, these are also the primary source
of job stress, along with issues around administrators, lack of time, and life stresses.3
It is generally agreed that nurses can benefit from programs that help develop coping
skills, reduce stress, and build supportive relationships in the workplace. That's
why it's important for nursing leadership to recognize the need for programs to
address stress that can lead to burnout. At the same time, you owe it to yourself
and your colleagues to bring stress issues to the attention of those in a position
to help you.
Professional nursing organizations such as the Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) and the American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN)
are good resources for information about how to stay healthy and avoid nursing burnout.
When you take care of yourself, you are in a better position to take care of others,
too.
References
1. Barnardi M, Catania G, Marceca F. The world of nursing burnout. A literature review.
Prof Inferm. 2005;58:75-79.
2. Sherman AC, Edwards D, Simonton S, Mehta P. Caregiver stress and burnout in an oncology unit. Palliat Support Care. 2006;4:65-80.
3. Cohen MZ, Haberman MR, Steeves R, Deatrick JA. Rewards and difficulties of oncology nursing. Oncol Nurs Forum. 1994;21:9-17.