Allt mellan glädje och sorg : Sjuksköterskans erfarenheter av att vårda barn med cancer

Sammanfattning: Background Every year around 350 children in Sweden become ill in some form of cancer, which also is the most common cause of death for children up to 14 years. The nurse has an important function in conveying safety and hope to these severely ill children and their families. Caring for children with cancer can be difficult and challenging. Method and Aim A literature study based on qualitative research with the aim of describe the nurse's experiences of caring for children with cancer was performed. Results The result was based on nine qualitative articles that, after analysis according to Friberg, resulted in three main themes; Become a part of the family, Emotional stress and Be professional, built on seven subthemes. The result showed that being a nurse caring for children with cancer was both mentally and physically exhausting. Strong relationships were formed between the nurse, the children and their families, and the nurse provided important support. Caring for children with cancer caused the nurse to experience several different emotions that affected both private life and working life. Emotions had to be handled with the help of support. Conclusion Caring for children with cancer is giving the nurse several strong feelings, both positive and negative. Strong relationships between the nurse, the children and their family can increase these feelings. To as a nurse every day meet these children with cancer is very demanding and support of different kinds are therefore necessary.