“We are all a family” Staff Experiences of Working in Children's Blood and Cancer Centers in New Zealand—A Constructivist Grounded Theory

Abstract

Background: The purpose of this study is to explore staff experiences of working in a children's blood and cancer center in New Zealand, with a particular focus on how staff maintain resilience in their work and sustain working in this difficult area. Methods: Constructivist grounded theory (GT) methods were used to collect data using focus groups and individual interviews with all staff (nursing, medical, allied health, cleaning, and support staff) working in the area. Data were analyzed using constant comparative analysis, and data collection continued until theoretical saturation was achieved. Results: The GT constructed in this study is being a work family, which includes three core categories: finding attachment, becoming a work family, and having an identity. Discussion: This study found that regardless of profession or discipline, all staff experience similar feelings about their work, and can develop and enhance their resilience by belonging to a “work family.” Being socially connected to the work family was recognized as the most supportive intervention, and was identified as being of greater value than the traditional one-on-one support that is currently encouraged.