Post-Surgical Chemotherapeutics’ Experiences of Patients with Cancer in the Lens of Student Nurses

Abstract

Background: Cancer patients undergoing post-surgical chemotherapy face profound physical, emotional, and psychological challenges. Objectives of the Study: This qualitative study explores these experiences through the lens of student nurses who provided direct care during their clinical rotations. Methods: This study employed an exploratory descriptive design and Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis framework to gather data from semi-structured interviews and reflective journals of 19 undergraduate nursing students who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria set for this study. Participants were purposively recruited until data saturation was achieved. Results:  Three major themes emerged: Witnessing Vulnerability and Resilience, Emotional Labor and Professional Identity Formation, and Communication as a Tool for Compassionate Care. Student nurses observed patients navigating cycles of strength and suffering, demonstrating emotional fortitude amid severe side effects. These encounters elicited strong emotional responses from the students, which played a pivotal role in shaping their empathy, clinical judgment, and emerging professional identity. The study highlights the dual impact of clinical exposure, providing students with real-world insight into patient-centered oncology care while also emphasizing the need for emotional support and reflective learning in nursing education. Conclusions: Findings suggest that nursing programs should incorporate structured reflection, communication training, and emotional resilience-building to better prepare students for the demands of oncology care. Moreover, mentorship from experienced clinicians can bridge the gap between theory and practice, enhancing the students’ confidence and compassion. This research underscores the transformative potential of clinical learning and its implications for improving both patient care outcomes and the quality of nursing education. The study contributes to a more holistic and human-centered approach in preparing future nurses for complex healthcare environments by understanding cancer care through the eyes of student nurses. A tool to examine their caring performance is also highly suggested.