Introduction: Nurses are known for providing holistic and comprehensive care to patients (1,2,3,4). In the field of oncology, much more precise techniques, skills, and abilities are required, given the complex and multidimensional needs of cancer patients and their families (5,6,7). For this reason, nursing professionals receive specialized training or undergo empirical training processes (8,9,10,11).

However, the literature shows that nurses have difficulties in the psychosocial approach to cancer patients because they report not having the necessary tools (6,12,13,14). Therefore, it is essential to understand the perceptions of both specialized and non-specialized nurses regarding the psychosocial care of cancer patients in Colombia, specifying whether this level of training can improve these difficulties (15,16,17,10).

Objective: To describe the professional perceptions of specialized and non-specialized nurses regarding the psychosocial care of cancer patients. 

Methodology: The study will adopt a descriptive qualitative approach (18,19). Intentional sampling will be used, including nursing professionals with or without training in the field of oncology who provide direct care (20,19). Information will be collected using a sociodemographic form and semi-structured interviews (21,19). Thematic analysis will be performed using the Braun and Clarke approach, in accordance with ethical principles and methodological rigor (22,23).

Expected results: We expect to recognize the experiences of nurses, specifying the skills and abilities required in the psychosocial approach to cancer patients, as well as areas for improvement that can be taken into account in the training of future professionals. 

Dr. Cindy Valbuena is a registered nurse holding both a Master’s degree and a Doctorate in Nursing from the National University of Colombia. She is currently a faculty member at the Sanitas University Foundation, where she is actively involved in teaching and academic development. Her research interests center on cancer patient care, with particular emphasis on the burden experienced by family caregivers.