The educational needs of nurses working on an oncology paediatric ward

Abstract

In the literature, an educational need is described as an important need to keep the individual updated. It is documented that as a highly specialized care is needed to care for children with cancer, continual education and support should be given to their caring nurses. This non-experimental, descriptive research study explores the educational needs of nine Maltese nurses for knowledge and skills in the care of paediatric oncology patients. Moreover, measures to meet these educational needs were explored together with the hindering and facilitating factors in meeting such needs. Data was obtained by structured, audio-recorded interviews, using a self-constructed tool. The analysis of the qualitative data was gathered and subjected to content analysis whilst the quantitative data was analyzed manually. Data :findings revealed that since in Malta nurses graduate in general nursing, there is the need of a specialized course before they start to work at the paediatric oncology ward. However, certain knowledge and skills are imparted during lectures but more needs should be met through experience and by continual updating. Moreover, skills related to dealing with issues of death and dying and dealing with their own feelings are also needed. Findings revealed that the internet is the most frequently used medium that help nurses to meet their educational needs. Moreover, factors which facilitate their educational needs include a ward environment conducive to learning, experience and sharing experience with colleagues. On the other hand, hindering factors include time constraints, family and personal commitments that can hinder nurses meeting their educational needs. Thus, in order to meet such needs, this study recommends co-worker support so as to help them deal with stress and feelings. It also suggests that short post registration courses, seminars and study days could be very useful. It also advocates the need for defining and encouraging professional boundaries in order to obtain a specialized role. ln order. to explore further needs, recommendations for further research are also made.