Date of Award

12-2025

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Advanced Practice Nurs​ing (MSc-APN)​

First Advisor

Dr. Gladys Mbuthia

Second Advisor

Prof. Sheila Shaibu

Department

School of Nursing and Midwifery, East Africa

Abstract

Introduction: Cancer is the second leading cause of death globally and the third leading cause of death in Kenya. Nurses in oncology units often experience stress because of the emotionally demanding nature of providing care for patients diagnosed with cancer. Global studies show that nurses in the oncology unit reported experiencing moderate to extreme work-related stress, with a prevalence of work stress globally varying between 9.2% to 68% globally. Many nurses experience stress, and because of ineffective coping mechanisms, this affects their psychological well-being and negatively impacts the quality of their care as well as patients’ outcomes.

Objective of the study: This study aimed to explore the perceived stress and coping mechanisms among nurses working in oncology units.

Study Design: The study employed a qualitative descriptive design, collecting data through an in-depth semi-structured interview guide. The target population was nurses working in oncology units at KNH. Purposive sampling was used to select participants. The sample size was determined by the principle of data saturation. A pretest was done with five nurses in the outpatient oncology unit at KNH. Content analysis was used to analyze the data. Data collection lasted two months.

Results: Two main themes and four subthemes were drawn from the content analysis. The first theme included stressors of working in the oncology unit, and the second theme included coping strategies. Subthemes included nursing care-related stressors, healthcare -related stressors, personal initiatives, and workplace initiatives.

Conclusion: Nurses in oncology units face emotional, psychological, and moral distress due to patient attachment, deterioration, and death. Coping mechanisms include personal and workplace initiatives, professional counselling, and teamwork.

Recommendation: Based on study findings, the author recommends stress management training and resilience programs, additional staff, and oncology nursing training. Future research should include diverse healthcare professionals and quantitative training.

First Page

1

Last Page

170

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