The European Oncology Nursing Society (EONS) recognized early the unique challenges that new generations of cancer nurses experience on a personal and professional level, as a result of rapid political and economic changes globally. Therefore, in 2017, in response to the needs and motivations of Young Cancer Nurses (YCN), EONS supported the development of a network for “cancer nurses and general nurses who work in cancer settings and / or with people affected by cancer in the WHO Europe region, who are under the age of 35”. The EONS Board and each of the EONS working groups (Communication, Advocacy, Research, and Education) worked in close partnership with the EONS YCN Network. In early 2024, the transition from the YCN network to Early Career Nurses (ECN) was made with the establishment of the EONS ECN Working Group (WG) and commits to pursuing activities that contribute towards the achievement of the Strategic Goals as outlined in the EONS Strategy for 2024-2028.
The ECN WG consists of a dynamic and collaborative team of cancer nurses who work daily in the oncology field and have less than 5 years of experience in cancer nursing when entering the group. Their aim is to empower and support the next generation of nursing professionals in cancer nursing nationally, and at a European and International level. The ECN WG was designed to foster collaboration, mentorship, and professional development among others. Members of the WG play an important role in bringing innovative ideas, fresh perspectives, and new skillsets into the workforce. The ECN WG empowers early career cancer nurses to become leaders in cancer nursing.
EONS ECN WG members, Farah from Croatia, Francesca from Italy, Nuria from Spain, Carike from the UK, Hazal from Türkiye, Nikolas from Greece, Helena from Ireland, Mark from the Northern Ireland, as well as the co-chairs, Irati from Spain and Dimitrios from Greece know very well that initiating a career in cancer nursing is both rewarding and demanding. Newly graduated nurses in any specialty face unique challenges, which can be exacerbated by the complexities of cancer care, staying updated with rapid medical advancements in oncology, and the management of the emotional toll of working with patients facing a life-threatening illness. These challenges can sometimes feel overwhelming, but with the right support, education, and professional network, ECNs can thrive and make a lasting impact in the field. The European scientific organizations, such as EONS, play a vital role in supporting these nurses in Europe, helping them overcome obstacles, grow in their profession, and rise as next generation cancer nursing leaders.
After one year of collaborative work and experience sharing among ECNs, what was clear was how common challenges they face in their daily practice, even the fact they live in different countries with diverse health systems and opportunities for professional development. ECNs work to make a positive impact on patients’ lives, their families and society as a whole. Simultaneously, they struggle with the changes of the cancer nursing workforce dynamics across Europe, limited resources, barriers to career advancement, emotional burden and the new roles that the technology development is constantly evolving.
Key Challenges Faced by Early Career Cancer Nurses
- Emotional and Psychological Strain
Cancer nursing requires deep emotional resilience. Nurses work closely with patients who are experiencing distress, uncertainty, and, in many cases, terminal illness. Coping with patient suffering and loss can be mentally exhausting, leading to compassion fatigue and burnout. Many early career nurses struggle to find effective coping mechanisms and often feel unprepared for the emotional demands of their role.
- Knowledge Gaps and the Learning Curve
Cancer nursing is a highly specialized field requiring a deep understanding of cancer pathophysiology, treatment protocols, and symptom management. While nursing education provides a strong foundation, many early career nurses feel unprepared for the complexities of cancer care, particularly in areas such as immunotherapy, targeted treatments, and bone marrow transplantation. Staying updated with the latest scientific advancements is essential but can also be overwhelming without adequate support
- Navigating Interdisciplinary Teams
Cancer care is multidisciplinary, involving nurses, oncologists, radiologists, pharmacists, dietitians, psychologists, and palliative care teams, amongst others. For ECNs, understanding their role within these teams and effectively communicating with senior medical professionals can be intimidating. They may struggle to assert themselves or advocate for their patients in high-pressure situations.
- Workload and Time Management
The demanding nature of cancer nursing often results in heavy workloads and long shifts. ECNs frequently experience stress as they balance patient care, administrative tasks, continuing education, and personal well-being. Time management skills take time to develop, and the pressure of the responsibilities can be daunting.
- Limited Professional Development Opportunities
Gaining access to mentorship, continuing education, and research opportunities can be challenging for ECNs, especially in countries where cancer nursing is not a recognized specialty. Many feel uncertain about career progression, specialization options, and how to get involved in scientific writing or conference presentations. Without guidance, they may miss valuable opportunities for professional growth.
How EONS Supports Early Career Cancer Nurses
Recognizing these challenges, EONS has developed various initiatives to support early career cancer nurses in their professional journey. Through education, mentorship, networking, and advocacy, EONS empowers nurses to overcome obstacles and excel in their field.
- Educational Opportunities and Webinars
EONS provides a wealth of educational resources, including online courses, webinars, podcasts, and workshops specifically tailored for cancer nurses. These initiatives cover essential topics such as cancer treatment advances, symptom management, and psychological support for patients. Initiatives like the Nightingale Challenge Webinars offer targeted training for ECNs, equipping them with practical skills and confidence.
- Mentorship and Networking
One of the most valuable aspects of EONS is its commitment to mentorship. EONS acts as a platform for networking between senior and early career nurses, by which ECNs can be guided, take career advice, and emotional support. Networking opportunities, including conferences and online forums, allow nurses to share experiences, learn from peers, and build professional relationships across Europe. The ESO-EONS Masterclass, in collaboration with the European School of Oncology, are a great example of this.
- Encouraging Scientific Writing and Research
Scientific writing can be intimidating for early career nurses, therefore EONS offers training to help them develop skills in writing for academic journals and preparing abstracts for conferences. Webinars like “Scientific Writing and Dissemination of Results for Oncology Nurses” provide step-by-step guidance, increasing the chances of successful publication and participation in international oncology discussions. Opportunities such as the yearly Research Workshops, are designed to support nurses with an interest in research to develop their research proposal and gain advice and new perspectives on their doctoral studies.
- Advocacy for Better Working Conditions
EONS actively advocates for policies that improve working conditions for all cancer nurses across Europe. By addressing issues such as workload management, fair wages, and emotional well-being support, EONS ensures that early career nurses have a sustainable and fulfilling career in cancer nursing.
- Support for Psychological Well-being
Understanding the emotional toll of cancer nursing, EONS promotes mental health support through workshops, self-care initiatives (NURTURE project), and resources on coping with burnout. By fostering a culture of self-care, EONS helps ECNs build resilience and maintain their passion for oncology nursing.
Conclusion
The journey of an early career cancer nurse is filled with significant challenges, but with the right support, these professionals can thrive and make a significant impact in cancer care. As EONS looks to the future of cancer nursing, it provides plenty of opportunities for equipping early career nurses with the skills, knowledge, and networks needed to succeed. Proof of this commitment is the development of an ECN Working Group within the organization, where ECNs gain invaluable experience and have the opportunity to bring up their voices to the organization, including by having an ECN representative at the Board. With these initiatives, EONS ensures that the next generation of cancer nurses is well-prepared to provide high-quality care to cancer patients while maintaining their own well-being. For any early career cancer nurse seeking guidance, EONS is a valuable partner in their professional development and success.
Learn more about EONS and the ECNs WG here: https://www.cancernurse.eu/early-career-nurses-wg
Disclosure: This short article was prepared by touchONCOLOGY in collaboration with the European Oncology Nursing Society (EONS). No fees or funding were associated with its publication.
Cite: “Challenges faced by Early Career Cancer Nurses and how EONS supports them in overcoming obstacles” by the EONS Early Career Nurses Working Group. touchONCOLOGY. May 6th, 2025
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