Honoring Oncology Nurses: The Power of a "Renewal Room"

As we move through May, we pause to honor the selfless, skilled, and compassionate work of oncology nurses. May is Oncology Nurse Month—a time to celebrate and recognize the dedication of these extraordinary professionals who walk alongside patients and families through some of life's most challenging journeys.

Nurse retention is a concern across every specialty, but oncology presents unique challenges. The emotional weight of the work, combined with the complex care required in oncology, calls for intentional support. According to Kelly et al. (2024), nursing programs must better prepare students by integrating oncology-specific content, especially as cancer remains one of the most pressing global health issues. After graduation, structured residency programs and ongoing mentorships can provide vital professional and emotional scaffolding for nurses entering the field.

The emotional toll for oncology nurses is often heightened by the deep, enduring relationships they form with their patients—bonds that may span weeks, months, or even years. This proximity to pain, hope, and loss can lead to compassion fatigue if left unaddressed. That's why creating intentional spaces for nurses to pause and heal is not a luxury—it's a necessity.

Several years ago, oncology nurse Jillianne Shriver recognized this need and pioneered a "renewal room" within her unit. With leadership backing, she transformed a small storage closet into a peaceful haven where nurses could retreat for up to 15 minutes. Nurses were asked to enter the renewal room with no pagers or phones—just a quiet, sacred space to breathe, reflect, and reset (Green, 2016).

Shriver's nurse-specific "renewal room" stood out. After a three-month pilot, the space had been used over 400 times, with 96% of staff reporting a reduction in stress after using it (Green, 2016). The message was clear: even a few minutes of intentional rest can make a meaningful difference.

So, we ask you:

Does your hospital, clinic, or workplace offer a "renewal room" or something similar?

What does that environment look like?

Have you found solace in such a space, and how has it impacted your day or your ability to care for others?

As we celebrate Oncology Nurse Month this month, remember that caregivers also need care. Sometimes, healing begins in a room just big enough to catch one's breath.

References:

Green, L. M. (2016). More than a break room: a quiet place to recharge and renew. Oncol Nurs News, 10(3).

Kelly, D., Cable, M., Jolley, C., & Nevidjon, B. (2024). Oncology nursing under pressure. Journal of advanced nursing, 80(7), 2611-2613.