Challenges experienced by registered nurses when working with oncology clients

In health care, we face many challenges that are related to nursing care, such as the pathology and the treatment of clients, and the working environment. How do we know what is a challenge? How can we understand the challenges encountered in nursing practice? In the literature, the terms challenge and problem, for example, were used interchangeably without recognizing how each one gives a different perspective and thus how each results in a different response from clients and/or caregivers. In the articles reviewed, the authors did not describe how encountered “challenges” or situations were appraised.; In this qualitative exploratory-descriptive study based on the model of Miles and Huberman (1994), was used for data collection and analysis. The purpose of this inquiry was to identify the challenges experienced by registered nurses when working with oncology clients in out-patient clinics. The data was collected by interviewing seven registered nurses working in oncology with individuals living with cancer. Content analysis was used in the analysis of the data collected from interviews. The participants were all women with more than seven years of experience in oncology nursing with an overall average of 13.4 years practice in this specialty.; In the context of this study, a challenge is defined a situation or a phenomenon experienced as stimulating and as requiring individuals to spend time, energy and resources in order to face and to deal with it. Individuals learn to deal with challenges as they gain experience.; Considering that the number and the needs of individuals affected by cancer will continue to increase, nurses will always be busy with clients requiring oncology care and services. The results of this study indicate the need for registered nurses to identify their challenges, and to select strategies that can assist them in managing their challenges. When challenges are too difficult to manage, nurses require further support from their colleagues and managers. Changes which eliminate or moderate the challenges are deemed to be necessary if nurse and client satisfaction with care are to occur in tertiary oncology health care institutions.