Beliefs of eight exemplary oncology nurses related to Watson’s nursing theory

Abstract

In this paper selected findings of a qualitative study of eight exemplary oncology nurses are presented. The focus is on the views of these nurses about key elements of nursing practice, namely, the nature of health, human beings, nurse-patient relationships, nursing care, and the nursing environment. In the first part of the paper, the research methodology used in the study is outlined. Subsequently, the oncology nurses’ beliefs about the five central components of nursing practice are described and related to Jean Watson’s theory of nursing.