The Complexity of Friendship in Nurse-Parent Relationships within Pediatric Oncology Contexts

Authors

  • Dr. Katie M Webber University of Calgary Faculty of Nursing
  • Dr. Nancy J Moules University of Calgary

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55016/bd5dka23

Abstract

In pediatric oncology contexts, the quality of nurse-parent relationships significantly affects the care experiences for children with cancer and their families. It is not uncommon for parents to express that their relationships with nurses mirror the closeness they feel with family and friends. However, this closeness can complicate efforts to maintain professional boundaries. Despite an extensive body of literature on nurse-patient relationships, the specific perspectives of nurses and parents on relational complexity remain under-researched. Guided by hermeneutics, this research involved interviews with six parents of children with cancer and six pediatric oncology nurses in a Canadian healthcare context. Drawing on a larger doctoral research project that examined themes including intimacy and strangeness, conflict, and online and offline professional boundary navigation in nurse-parent relationships, this article focuses specifically on findings related to understanding friendship. 

Author Biographies

  • Dr. Katie M Webber, University of Calgary Faculty of Nursing

    Katie M. Webber, RN, PhD is an Assistant Professor (Teaching), Faculty of Nursing, University of Calgary. Her doctoral research examined the complexity of nurse-parent relationships in pediatric oncology.  

  • Dr. Nancy J Moules, University of Calgary

    Dr. Nancy J Moules PhD is a Professor at the University of Calgary in the Faculty of Nursing. She is founding and current editor of the Journal of Applied Hermeneutics and co-Founder of the Canadian Hermeneutic Institute which she is now co-chair with Professor Ted George. She is first author of the book Conducting Hermeneutic Research: From Philosophy to Practice, first and second editions. 

     

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Published

2026-08-05

Issue

2026: 2026

Section

Articles

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