Strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats analysis of being an oncology nurse: a Turkish oncology nurses' perspective

Abstract

Background: Oncology nurses play a key role in providing high-quality treatment and care to cancer patients. Aim: The aim of this study was to determine oncology nurses' views of the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats to oncology nurses. Methods: This descriptive pilot study was conducted online between December 2018 and January 2019. The study population consisted of 845 nurses who were members of the Oncology Nursing Association of Turkey. The sample consisted of 80 oncology nurses. Data were collected using an online survey. Participants' responses were grouped and evaluated. Data were analysed using numbers and percentages. Results: The mean age of participants was 34.34±8.23 years. A total of 48 participants (60.5%) were university hospital nurses, and 63 (79.5%) were medical oncology nurses. Participants had 8.06±6.72 (mininum 1 and maximum 22) years of work experience as oncology nurses. For participants, the central strengths of oncology nurses were speed, self-confidence, neatness, composure, patience, compassion or attention (72.4%); psychosocial support (64.5%); and training and consultancy (58.1%). For participants, the first three weaknesses of oncology nurses were over-sentimentality, helplessness or burnout (54.2%); working conditions (50%); and limited knowledge (47.3%). For participants, the first three opportunities of oncology nursing were attending organisations on oncology nursing (62.4%), education and research (50%), and developing patience, strength, empathy, and critical thinking skills (48.6%). For participants, the first three threats to oncology nurses were employee safety issues (76.6%), psychosocial problems (65%) and physical problems (48.8%). Conclusion: Weaknesses and threats should be eliminated for the development of oncology nursing in the light of its strengths and opportunities.