Potential stressors in cancer care: Perceptions of oncology nurses in selected teaching hospitals in Southwest Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Oncology nurses are posed with issues that are potential sources of stress to them. Aim: To identify the potential sources of stress in cancer care for Nigerian oncology nurses. Materials and Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study involving nurses working in the oncology units of three selected Nigerian teaching hospitals. Consenting oncology nurses were recruited. The tool for data collection was a self-administered structured questionnaire. Result: Eighty-six (86) nurses participated. High workload (mean = 5.34 ± 0.59), taking care of critically ill patients (mean = 5.12 ± 0.78), strict organizational rules (mean = 5.05 ± 0.66), lack of organizational support (mean = 4.91 ± 0.87), and challenges of caring for dying patients (mean = 4.66 ± 0.97) were the major potential sources of stress perceived by oncology nurses. Conclusion: A number of stress-generating situations have been identified, and appropriate strategies and interventional programs are needed to address them.