The Lived Experiences of Grief Among Newly Graduated Oncology Nurses: A Descriptive Phenomenologic Study.

PURPOSE: To explore the grief experiences, influencing factors, and coping strategies of newly graduated oncology nurses in Türkiye.

PARTICIPANTS &

SETTING

Between June and October 2024, 12 phenomenologic semistructured interviews were conducted with newly graduated oncology nurses in Türkiye.

METHODOLOGIC APPROACH: This study used a descriptive phenomenologic design. Data were analyzed using Colaizzi's seven-step phenomenologic method.

FINDINGS: Six main themes emerged from the phenomenologic analysis of the interviews: (a) confronting the reality of death in oncology, (b) emotional reactions and outcomes, (c) suppressed grief, (d) factors affecting the experience of grief, (e) coping, and (f) expectation of organizational support. Newly graduated oncology nurses often experience secondary trauma.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: Nurses should receive training to effectively cope with grief and secondary traumatic stress. Organizations can organize periodic debriefing sessions, offer psychological support, and provide comprehensive orientation and mentorship programs to foster resilience and reduce the risk of compassion fatigue among newly graduated oncology nurses.