Barriers, benefits, and unmet needs in full-time, off-the-job training among oncology nurses: a qualitative descriptive study

BackgroundFull-time, off-the-job training is widely used to enhance clinical competency and support the continuing professional development of nursing staff. In oncology settings, however, there remains a paucity of evidence regarding how nurses experience this training and what barriers and unmet needs influence its impact upon their return to clinical practice. Hence, this study explores the perceived benefits, barriers, and unmet needs associated with full-time, off-the-job training among oncology nurses.MethodsA qualitative descriptive design was employed. Semistructured, in-depth interviews were conducted with 15 nurses from oncology-related departments at a large tertiary hospital. Participants had attended full-time, off-the-job training within the previous 5 years. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using conventional qualitative content analysis. Data were collected between December 2023 and May 2024.ResultsOur study revealed that participants viewed off-the-job training as essential to maintaining specialty competence in oncology nursing practice. Importantly, the training generated significant professional and interpersonal benefits, including the acquisition of specialized knowledge, the expansion of professional networks, and increased career motivation. Moreover, participation was shaped by systemic barriers, including limited departmental support, work-family conflict, and a lack of institutional recognition or role adjustment following training. Finally, nurses reported unmet needs in training design and post-training integration, including stronger alignment with clinical practice, more flexible delivery, better feedback, opportunities to apply newly acquired competencies, and clearer career pathways.ConclusionsThe efficacy of off-the-job training depends not only on the availability of educational opportunities but also on robust organizational support, training relevance, and clear pathways for role integration and career advancement.