The Professionalism of Certified Breast Cancer Nurses Formed by Their Clinical Nursing Practice

Abstract

Purpose: To identify the professionalism of certified nurses in breast cancer nursing, which is formed by their clinical nursing practice.

Methods: The study participants were certified nurses in breast cancer nursing who had been certified by the Japanese Nursing Association’s certification system. Data were collected by semi-structured interviews and inductive content analysis was conducted.

Result: There were 17 participants. The professionalism of certified nurses in breast cancer nursing was summarized as: recognition of the essence of breast cancer nursing, excellent breast cancer nursing practice, contribution to the cultivation of breast cancer nursing, contribution to organizational development, maintenance of an attitude appropriate for professional nursing, efforts to improve and self-improvement, and recognition of the value of breast cancer nursing.

Discussion: The professionalism of certified nurses in breast cancer nursing is formed, fostered, and renewed through their accumulated experience as breast cancer nursing professionals, based on the professionalism of the nursing profession as a whole. In order for these nurses to form and maintain their professionalism as breast cancer care develops, the support of the work environment and nursing management, coupled with their own efforts, will contribute to their professionalism. In order to deepen awareness of the professionalism of these nurses among health care providers and those who are the target of nursing care, it is important to visualize and communicate the significance and usefulness of these nurses to society.