The Presence of Resilience in Oncology Social Workers

Abstract

This dissertation examines the presence of resilience in oncology social workers (0SWs) that work in inpatient, outpatient and both settings in acute care hospitals and outpatient clinical settings. This research used a quantitative descriptive-correlation study to determine the presence of resilience in a convenience sample of 162 to determine the relationship between the presence of resilience and job stress. There is a growing demand for well trained oncology staff, including social workers, to meet nation---wide staffing needs. The Institute of Medicine's report Cancer Care for the Whole Patient: Meeting Psychosocial Needs (2008) identified a growing cancer patient population that will require an increase in quality services that address patient needs in many areas, including psychosocial support. The report emphasized the need for well trained professionals who are leaders in psychosocial care (Adler, 2008).;The study participants were asked to complete an online survey and a cross sectional analysis provided information on the impact of job stress and resilience in this sample. The research utilized two instruments of measurement for resilience and job stress: the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC) and the Job Stress Survey (JSS). Several hypotheses were supported by the data: the lower the overall organizational support, the lower the resilience; age is not significant for resilience; advanced training had a significant relationship to resilience as did higher caseload acuity. There were two hypotheses that were significant for negative associations to resilience: (1) the higher the OSWs perceived overall job stress the lower the overall resilience and (2) the higher the job pressure the lower the overall resilience the OSWs reported.;This is the first study to examine the presence of resilience in OSWs. The findings suggest that additional training could contribute to an increase in resilience in OSWs. In conclusion, recommendations include the development of resilience-supported supervision and departmental support to promote resilience in OSWs which could impact quality of care provided by OSWs as well as longevity in the field.