Background: Nurses diagnosed with cancer face unique challenges when returning to work, yet there is limited understanding of their transition.
Purpose: To explore nurses' return-to-work experiences post cancer diagnosis and clarify related facilitators and challenges.
Methods: This focus group study employed a content analysis with constant comparative approach and member checking. This study recruited nurses treated for any type of cancer who had experience returning to clinical positions.
Findings: Five focus groups with 17 female nurses (mean age=51.8) were performed; 47.1% had breast cancer. Four main themes were identified: (a) motivation, incentives, and the need to return to work; (b) setbacks hindering the return; (c) navigating new work dynamics; and (d) evolving professional role during the return to work.
Discussion: This study illustrates personal and professional growth and struggles that attend returning to work as a nurse with cancer. This insight informs strategies to support continuing these nurses' careers.
Keywords: Cancer; Employment; Healthcare providers; Nurse; Return to work.
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