How Does an Oncology Nurse Increase Moral Resilience During a Pandemic?

ABSTRACT

As an oncology advanced practice nurse, I find myself asking, "How can I continue to provide the same level of competent, quality care while meeting the unique, holistic needs of this population leveraged with self-care during the COVID-19 pandemic?" In talking with colleagues, we find ourselves torn between providing fluid oncology care that is compassionate and comprehensive while managing our uncertainties with our family since the beginning of this pandemic. I practice in a state that is known nationally to have the worst rates of cancer-associated deaths and comorbidities, which predisposes patients to poor outcomes with COVID-19 (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2020). Providers grasp that patients are at higher risk, yet patients with active cancer must be seen in person regularly and providers are tasked with how to protect them.