The Lived Experiences of Nurses Caring for Patients who Undergo Cancer Treatment

Cancer remains one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, highlighting the need to better understand the experiences of nurses providing cancer care. This descriptive phenomenological study explored the lived experiences of nine nurses caring for patients undergoing cancer treatment in a selected private hospital in Antipolo, Rizal. Using semi-structured in-depth interviews and Colaizzi's seven-step phenomenological method, the study identified 164 significant statements that were synthesized into twelve major themes. The findings revealed that oncology nursing extends beyond technical skills, encompassing holistic and patient-centered care grounded in compassion, empathy, clinical competence, emotional resilience, therapeutic communication, interdisciplinary collaboration, ethical advocacy, and respect for patient dignity and autonomy. The study also highlighted the challenges nurses encounter in managing patients who use both conventional and herbal therapies, facilitating communication with patients and families, and achieving personal and professional growth through their caregiving experiences.