Hermeneutic Phenomenological Study on Caring Experience of Nurses Working in a Chemotherapy Ward in Korea

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to understand and describe nurses' experiences of caring for cancer patients receiving chemotherapy in chemotherapy wards. METHODS: Data were collected during 2015 by individual in-depth interviews with 10 nurses working in a chemotherapy ward. Transcribed data were analyzed using the hermeneutic phenomenological method by van Manen. RESULTS: Six essential themes emerged from the analysis. ‘Struggle for safe administration of anticancer drugs,' represents the double effort for patients' safety while receiving anti-cancer drugs. ‘Compassion toward patients suffering from chemotherapy,' describes sympathy and empathy for patients and the transference of the pain caused by excessive empathy. ‘Frustration of caring for no further improvement of patients,' describes ambivalence and helplessness due to ineffective chemotherapy. ‘Disappointment of being the target of criticism,' illustrates the emotional injury caused by projection of anger and denigrated value of caring. ‘Motive power of caring patients, family and colleagues,' represents the supportive relationship for caring. ‘Take-off for better care,' describes development as patients' advocator through introspection and self-management. CONCLUSION: The results of this study indicate that a more supportive ward environment needs to be created to support and empower oncology nurses in order to provide the best care for cancer patients.