Ruminative Thoughts in Oncology Nursing: A Qualitative Inquiry into Their Nature, Effects, and Coping Strategies.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to explore the ruminative thoughts experienced by oncology nurses, examine their impact on both personal and professional life, and identify the coping strategies employed in the context of cancer care.

METHODS

This inductive qualitative study employed in-depth interviews with 20 oncology nurses, conducted between March and July 2021, and utilized content analysis for data analyze.

RESULTS

The main theme identified was Ruminative thoughts and coping strategies of oncology nurses. It highlighted how oncology nurses' ruminative thoughts, driven by patient losses, fears of inadequacy, and cancer-related anxieties, affect their mental well-being and personal growth. The main theme is built upon the subthemes "Confronting professional and personal realities," "Redefining self and values," and "Overcoming strategies."

CONCLUSIONS

This study reveals that oncology nurses' ruminative thoughts, driven by patient deaths, treatment inadequacy, and cancer fears, lead to mental fatigue but also foster personal growth. Coping strategies like distraction, thought suppression, and adopting a commitment to excellence mindset help them manage these challenges.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: Awareness of ruminative thoughts and the implementation of interventions such as resilience training, mindfulness-based practices, and team-based care approaches can reduce mental fatigue among nurses, enhancing their well-being and the quality of care they provide.