Presence signifies always being accessible, even telephonically, even during holidays: A glimpse into the experiences of oncology nurses

Background: The presence of nurses plays a crucial role in ensuring patient safety and delivering necessary nursing care. This study aimed to explore the process of nurses’ presence at patients’ beds in cancer wards. Methods: Employing a grounded theory approach, this qualitative study was conducted in a cancer ward, involving 34 participants including nurses, patient companions, and hospital staff. Participants were purposefully selected for their involvement. Interactive interviews were conducted for data collection, and data analysis followed the approach proposed by Corbin and Strauss in 2015. Results: The data analysis revealed the core category of Striving to be with the patient , which encompassed the following axial categories: Challenges of accompanying patients with diverse needs (Context), Striving to be with the patient (Process), Motivational factors driving the desire to be with the patient (Mediating facilitator), Difficulties encountered in maintaining patient presence (Mediating inhibitor), and Mixed feelings of satisfaction and sorrow accompanying the presence (Outcome). Conclusion: Nurses in oncology wards demonstrate tremendous dedication as they strive to maintain a delicate equilibrium between their own emotional well-being and the diverse needs of their patients. This task can be highly demanding, but through the implementation of customized strategies and drawing inspiration from personal sources, these nurses effectively navigate the emotional challenges associated with patient care.