Most Oncology Nurses Feel Their Post-Pandemic Workload Has Increased

Of 197 US oncology nurses across 17 states, 83% felt their workload has increased or significantly increased since the pandemic.

A vast majority of US oncology nurses feel that their workload has increased or significantly increased since the COVID-19 pandemic, according to findings from a poster presentation at the 50^th Annual Oncology Nursing Society Conference.¹

Of 197 US oncology nurses across 17 states, 83% felt their workload has increased or significantly increased since the pandemic. Additionally, 43% anticipate that the role of telehealth will somewhat increase following the pandemic, and 35% suggested that it would significantly increase. A total of 17% of US oncology nurses felt the role of telehealth would stay the same, and 6% felt the use of telehealth would decrease.

When asked how they contribute to the management of treatment-related toxicities in patients with cancer, 91% educate patients on symptom management; 84% said they monitor and assess adverse effects (AEs) regularly; 83% collaborate with the multidisciplinary team for solutions; 65% telephone triage when patients call with a problem; and 48% prescribe supportive care and medications.

Additionally, 6% of respondents claimed that their approach to managing toxicities has not evolved in recent times. Among those who responded that their toxicity management approaches have changed in recent years, 74% have used more proactive monitoring and intervention; 72% use more patient-centered care with shared decision-making strategies; 65% have increased their use of evidence-based guidelines; 55% have adopted the use of symptom management pathways; and 44% have put a greater emphasis on mitigating treatment interruptions.

“The results of this study allow for a better understanding of the emergent role of oncology nursing in patient care, symptom management, and promoting quality of life,” lead study author Natasha Pinheiro, MSN, NP, AGPCNP-BC, AOCNS, an advanced practice adult oncology nurse practitioner at Memorial Sloan Kettering Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, wrote with study coinvestigators.¹ “Support and educational needs were highlighted for oncology nurses, potentially having a direct effect on patient care and quality of life.”

Responses were gathered from an online survey for oncology nurses working in the US from January 2024 to June 2024 using Qualtrics. The states with the most respondents included Alabama (24.9%), Massachusetts (24.4%), New York (17.8%), Illinois (10.7%), Pennsylvania (4.6%), Florida (3.6%), Wisconsin (3.6%), and New Jersey (3.5%).

The survey was distributed via email to nurses across professional organizations, networks, and institutions through social media and the Scientific Committee. The survey consisted of 3 sections: demographic information, a survey ascertaining the role of oncology nurses in treatment and symptom management and the evolution of responsibilities since the pandemic, and open-ended questions related to challenges and educational needs for nurses.

Additional data collected from the survey showed that 96% of nurses provide patient education and resources; 94% offer emotional support and counseling; 89% monitor and address AEs proactively; 88% collaborate with caregivers for assistance; and 84% make referrals to specialty care. Furthermore, when asked how the role of treatment compliance promotion has evolved, 8% claimed their role has not changed. Additionally, 68% suggested there was a greater emphasis on patient education and empowerment, 68% said there was enhanced communication and follow-up with patients, 56% affirmed there was a greater focus on personalized treatment plans, and 41% expressed that technology was integrated into patient care for medication reminders.

When asked if they had a responsibility to explain or educate patients regarding their diseases, 62% of respondents gave an affirmative response and found it rewarding, 20% responded affirmatively but found it challenging, and 17% claimed that this aspect of patient care was strictly handled by the oncologist. Of note, 32% of registered nurses and 29% of infusion nurses reported that educating patients regarding their diseases was challenging.

Furthermore, 29% of nurses claimed to have participated in tumor board decisions vs 66% who have not. A total of 25% of nurses suggested that they extensively collaborate with oncologists regarding a patient’s treatment plan, 15% collaborate only when requested by the oncologist, 34% provide input but primarily follow oncologist recommendations, and an additional 26% are rarely or never involved in treatment decisions.

Regarding end-of-life planning, 87% of nurses claimed to provide emotional support and guidance to patients and families, 65% collaborate with palliative care teams, 52% initiate sensitive conversations regarding patients’ wishes, and 43% facilitate and discuss advanced care planning.

Reference

Pinheiro N, Prosdocimo B, Waldrop KS, Grenon NN. The evolving role of the oncology nurse. A cross-sectional survey among oncology nurses in the USA. Presented at the 50^th Annual Oncology Nursing Society Conference; April 9-13, 2025; Denver, CO. Poster RS45.