Laboring at the Edge: Effects of Repeated Exposure to Death and Dying on Oncology Doctors, Nurses, and Social Workers

Cancer is a major health concern worldwide. In the United States alone, it is the second leading cause of all deaths. Oncology physicians, nurses, and social workers each play a different but important role in helping persons with cancer and their families bear the burden of this potentially life-threatening illness. As a result of the high level of emotional intensity involved in their work, oncology clinicians may be at risk for experiencing negative emotional side effects, such as vicarious traumatization, also called secondary traumatic stress or compassion fatigue. While theoretical literature posits that oncology professionals experience vicarious traumatization, the empirical literature does not clearly demonstrate this phenomenon. This book seeks to bridge this gap. Both quantitative and qualitative methods are used in this comprehensive mixed methods study of 184 oncology doctors, nurses, and social workers that examines the effects of repeated exposure to death and dying on these clinicians. This analysis should be especially useful to oncology health care professionals; medical, nursing, and social work students; and those interested in the sociology of the professions.