N.U.R.T.U.R.E. (Nurses Uniting for Resilience, Training, and Emotional Support in Cancer Care)
During the EONS Advisory Meeting in October 2023, EONS President, Virpi Sulosaari, presented the new EONS project NURTURE – Nurses Uniting for Resilience, Training, and Emotional Support in Cancer Care to EONS National Societies.
This groundbreaking initiative will provide invaluable support to cancer nurses across Europe.
The project aims to increase the knowledge, skills and expertise of nurses caring for people affected by cancer, re-skill cancer nurses in healthy lifestyle and self-care, safe and healthy work environments safety. It also seeks to improve the capacity of the cancer nursing workforce by developing, piloting and evaluating cancer nurses’ training and capacity support meetings through and with EONS, its National Societies and individual members.
About the project – a supportive community
NURTURE is designed to empower and uplift our dedicated nursing community as they navigate the challenging landscape of cancer care.
The project aims to enhance the resilience of European cancer nurses. The emotional well-being of nurses is a top priority for NURTURE, recognising that their strength is drawn from a supportive community. The project will foster an environment of emotional support, acknowledging the unique challenges faced by those on the frontline of cancer care.
Addressing the long-term objectives of NURTURE, project lead and EONS Board member Nikolina Dodlek said: “NURTURE represents a collaborative effort, highlighting the importance of unity and shared knowledge among nursing professionals. As we embark on this journey, nurture and support becomes integral. NURTURE thrives on inclusiveness, equity and involvement, and community contributions will help extend the reach of this initiative to more cancer nurses in need.
“NURTURE will strive to create a supportive ecosystem for cancer nurses, patients facing one of life’s most challenging journeys. Bringing resilience, training, and emotional support to the forefront of cancer care in Europe and shaping a brighter future for both nurses and their patients.”
The Project Team
Project Co-leads:
Expert Nurses:
Task Group:
Project Manager – Nikolina Dodlek
EONS and the project team appreciates the feedback received from National Society presidents and individuals whose support and input helped develop the NURTURE programme which will address the current needs of cancer nurses throughout Europe.
Opinion paper on “The truth behind two contrasting images of nurses”
Deborah A. Boyle is a retired oncology clinical nurse specialist with over 50 years of experience. In this opinion paper, she shares her thoughts on the emotional challenges nurses face and how they balance compassion with resilience. Download the full opinion paper here.
N.U.R.T.U.R.E. Podcast Series
Listen to Episode 1 of the N.U.R.T.U.R.E. Podcast Series: “Decision Burnout”
Join Dr. Charalambous Andreas as he interviews Dr. Legi Lasio Csaba on the challenges of decision burnout in cancer nursing in the inaugural episode of the N.U.R.T.U.R.E. Podcast Series. Presented by EONS, this episode provides valuable insights into managing psychological fatigue and maintaining resilience. Click the link to listen on YouTube.
Listen to Episode 2 of the N.U.R.T.U.R.E. Podcast Series: “Work Life Balance”
In the second episode of the N.U.R.T.U.R.E. Podcast Series, Selma Islamcevic interviews Ivona Poljak, a specialist in Clinical Health Psychology at the Department of Oncology and Radiotherapy at University Hospital Centers in Croatia. Ivana’s expertise spans psychology, oncology, and palliative care. Presented by EONS, this episode explores strategies for achieving a healthy work-life balance in cancer nursing and offers practical advice for managing the demands of the profession while maintaining personal well-being. Click the link to listen on YouTube.
Listen to Episode 3 of the N.U.R.T.U.R.E. Podcast Series: “Self-care and coping”
In the third episode of the N.U.R.T.U.R.E. Podcast Series, Dr. Grigorios Kotronoulas interviews Deborah Boyle, an oncologist clinical nurse specialist, about self-care and coping. Presented by EONS, this episode explores what self-care means for health professionals, particularly for those in the field of oncology. Click the link to listen on YouTube.
Listen to Episode 4 of the N.U.R.T.U.R.E. Podcast Series: “Burnout and Stress Management”
In the fourth and final episode of the N.U.R.T.U.R.E Podcast Series, Johan de Munter, EONS Past President interviews Dr. Virpi Sulosaari, EONS president about burnout and stress management. Presented by EONS, this episode explores the intricate relationship between workplace environments and mental health in cancer nursing. Click the link to listen on YouTube.