The experiences of early career nurses working in specialist adolescent/young adult cancer units: a narrative inquiry

Cable, Maria, Kelly, Daniel ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1847-0655, Watts, Tessa ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1201-5192 and Reagon, Carly ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6370-3705 2022. The experiences of early career nurses working in specialist adolescent/young adult cancer units: a narrative inquiry. Presented at: RCN International Nursing Research Conference, Cardiff, UK, 5-6 September 2022.

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Abstract

Background Understanding the impact of cancer on an adolescent/young adult (AYA)(age 15-25) challenges nurses to consider the uniqueness of their age-related needs during cancer treatment. This specialism is built on the foundation of multidisciplinary healthcare, striving to meet the age-related needs of this patient group (Cable and Kelly, 2019), yet the role of nurses within it has received little attention. Less so are insights into the work of early career nurses (ECN) who are engaged in AYA cancer care delivery, which is under similar service and workforce pressures as other specialism in the current healthcare climate. Aims To explore and further understand the experiences of registered ECN working in specialist adolescent/young adult cancer (AYAC) units. Method A purposive sample of 9 ECN from 6 specialist AYAC units in the UK, participated in online in-depth narrative conversations between October 2020 and January 2021. Data were analysed thematically using Clandinin and Connelly’s (2000) metaphorical three dimensional narrative inquiry approach focussed on commonplaces of temporality, sociality and place. Findings/results The intensity and complexity of the nursing work associated with AYAC and their families over protracted periods exposed the personal and professional impacts on nurses. The similarity of age between patients and nurses was shown as having some benefits as well as posing risks. The complexity of four types of nursing labour (emotional, cognitive, physical and organisational) (Jackson et al 2021) were highlighted, providing further justification for more training and support. Conclusion This study presents new insights into the complex work of nurses in specialist units that align with four types of nursing work, when caring for the unique needs of AYAC. This study contributes to understanding developmentally appropriate nursing care of AYAs with cancer in specialist settings. From this, a new conceptual framework for AYAC nursing is proposed.

Item Type:	Conference or Workshop Item - unpublished
Date Type:	Publication
Status:	Unpublished
Schools:	Schools > Healthcare Sciences
Last Modified:	08 Oct 2026 10:56
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/152454

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