Nurses’ encounters with children as next of kin to parents with a cancer diagnosis on oncology wards

It is a challenge for registered nurses (RNs) to meet children and young people who have a parent diagnosed with cancer. These children often suffer from shock, anxiety, outrage, fear and stress. Recent studies indicate that when next of kin have a professional person to talk to, their wellbeing increases. Moreover, when these children are involved in their parent’s care they also begin to trust the nurse caring for their parent. However, there is little known of how nurses respond to a child’s needs. Thus, aim of this study was to describe RNs’ experiences of encounters with children as next of kin to a parent diagnosed with cancer. A qualitative descriptive study based on semi-structured group interviews, with a latent content analysis was carried out. One theme, ‘sense of security’ including three categories ‘balanced meeting’, ‘de-dramatize healthcare’ and ‘learn from one another’ was identified. Beyond the categories, there are six sub-categories: ‘sense of insecurity’, ‘caring approach’, ‘providing information’, ‘participation’, ‘processing and follow-up’ and ‘increased knowledge’. The findings of this study highlight the importance of strengthening the RN's ability to create a caring relationship with children as next of kin.