Reviving Oncology Nurses: Prevention of Burnout
Major
Nursing, BSN
Submission Type
Poster
Area of Study or Work
Nursing
Faculty Advisor
Jessica Brownfield
Location
CNS Atrium
Start Date
4-11-2026 11:15 AM
End Date
4-11-2026 12:30 PM
Abstract
There is an unprecedented and complex nursing shortage. Over half a million nurses will leave or have left the profession in the next year. Nurses are the frontline providers who ensure patient safety and adequate care, especially for hospitalized patients. Many nurses leave the field because of burnout. Job stressors such as short staffing, workplace violence, heavy patient loads, emotionally draining jobs, and limited support from management contribute to burnout. Burnout is defined as, “a syndrome…resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed” (WHO, 2019). The nursing shortage is even more impactful for specialty nursing fields, such as oncology. Oncology nurses have specialized training to administer high-risk treatments, including chemotherapy. The emotional intensity places oncology nurses at a high risk for burnout, emotional exhaustion, and compassion fatigue from caring for patients with life-threatening diagnoses. Fewer nurses choose to specialize in oncology, creating an even wider gap in an already dwindling workforce. To maintain their well-being, while ensuring high quality patient care, nurses need emotional, psychological, and organizational support. One way to put such programs in place is to evaluate research to combat burnout, especially in oncology nurses. We are conducting a review of programs to decrease the rates of burnout, specifically for oncology nurses. Interventions such as improving staffing ratios, implementing mental health resources, and offering mentorship and support may relieve burnout and increase retention. Using the PRISMA technique for this literature research, we analyze current research aimed at preventing burnout and increasing job satisfaction in oncology nurses. This research aims to identify recommendations that can promote sustainable environments for practice and enhance both the outcomes for oncology nurses and cancer patients. Our review is currently in progress.
Reviving Oncology Nurses: Prevention of Burnout
CNS Atrium
There is an unprecedented and complex nursing shortage. Over half a million nurses will leave or have left the profession in the next year. Nurses are the frontline providers who ensure patient safety and adequate care, especially for hospitalized patients. Many nurses leave the field because of burnout. Job stressors such as short staffing, workplace violence, heavy patient loads, emotionally draining jobs, and limited support from management contribute to burnout. Burnout is defined as, “a syndrome…resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed” (WHO, 2019). The nursing shortage is even more impactful for specialty nursing fields, such as oncology. Oncology nurses have specialized training to administer high-risk treatments, including chemotherapy. The emotional intensity places oncology nurses at a high risk for burnout, emotional exhaustion, and compassion fatigue from caring for patients with life-threatening diagnoses. Fewer nurses choose to specialize in oncology, creating an even wider gap in an already dwindling workforce. To maintain their well-being, while ensuring high quality patient care, nurses need emotional, psychological, and organizational support. One way to put such programs in place is to evaluate research to combat burnout, especially in oncology nurses. We are conducting a review of programs to decrease the rates of burnout, specifically for oncology nurses. Interventions such as improving staffing ratios, implementing mental health resources, and offering mentorship and support may relieve burnout and increase retention. Using the PRISMA technique for this literature research, we analyze current research aimed at preventing burnout and increasing job satisfaction in oncology nurses. This research aims to identify recommendations that can promote sustainable environments for practice and enhance both the outcomes for oncology nurses and cancer patients. Our review is currently in progress.