"The Keepers of Stories": Personal Growth and Wisdom Among Oncology Nurses

Journal of Holistic Nursing : Official Journal of the American Holistic Nurses' Association
Tanya VishnevskySuzanne C Danhauer

Abstract

This study examined whether oncology nurses experience personal growth and wisdom as a result of caring for patients. Using a grounded theory approach, 30 nurses were interviewed regarding their experiences caring for cancer patients. Every nurse in this sample cited at least one example of growth and wisdom. Subthemes of personal growth were largely consistent with the documented domains of posttraumatic growth and included appreciation of life, new perspective on life, relating to others, spiritual/religious growth, and personal strength. Subthemes of wisdom were more varied, reflecting the diversity of this construct in the context of nursing. Benevolence arose as a unifying theme between personal growth and wisdom, with subthemes centering on altruistic attitudes and behavior toward patients and the greater community. Findings suggest that nurses develop personal growth, wisdom, and benevolence as a result of the emotional connections formed with patients and the subsequent struggle to cope with their loss. This process accords well with findings in other populations experiencing trauma and adversity directly.

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Citations

Oct 9, 2016·Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic, and Neonatal Nursing : JOGNN·Cheryl Tatano BeckRobert K Gable
Aug 7, 2018·International Journal of Nursing Practice·Gülay YılmazNeslihan Partlak Günüşen
Oct 4, 2018·Journal of Social Work in End-of-life & Palliative Care·Sara Bybee
Dec 19, 2018·International Journal of Nursing Practice·Neslihan Partlak GünüşenDilek Büyükkaya Besen
Sep 7, 2018·AACN Advanced Critical Care·Elizabeth G Broden, Melissa Kurtz Uveges
Apr 10, 2020·Scandinavian Journal of Caring Sciences·Lovisa Sebrant, Mats Jong
May 23, 2017·Palliative & Supportive Care·Laura BeauneSamantha J Anthony
Oct 28, 2019·Scandinavian Journal of Caring Sciences·Annatjie van der Wath, Neltjie van Wyk
Mar 28, 2020·Journal of Nursing Scholarship : an Official Publication of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing·Mary Ellen DohertyJennifer Bready
May 13, 2021·Japan Journal of Nursing Science : JJNS·Ae Kyung ChangJi Hyun Jang

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