The purpose of this study was to clarify the current state of role behaviors in oncology certified nurse specialists (OCNSs) and the factors related to the OCNSs’ role behavior abilities. A questionnaire survey of 636 OCNSs working in hospitals nationwide was conducted. The questionnaire consisted of CNS role behaviors on a scale to measure the professional autonomy of CNSs, an ENDCORE communication skills scale, items to assess awareness of environments that nurtured OCNSs, and attribute items. A multiple regression analysis was performed, with CNS role behaviors as a dependent variable.

We obtained 266 valid responses (valid response rate 42.5%). The factors determined from the multiple regression analysis to be related to CNS role behaviors included the following: “OTHER acceptance,” “assertiveness,” and “self-control” as indicators of communication skills, and “degree of support for activities” and “presence of job regulations” as indicators of a nurturing environment.

These findings suggest that it is important for OCNSs to acquire advanced communication skills to enable them to collaborate with managers and professionals in their organizations. They also suggest that it is important for nursing departments to develop systems to support environments that nurture role development.