Table 3.

The most rewarding aspects of working in the field of pediatric psycho-oncology

Theme/Examples	N = 429
Providing Support Across the Cancer Trajectory	44%
“Having opportunities for intervening and seeing practical interventions work to improve quality of life for patients and families over long periods of time” “Being able to provide an emotional roadmap for people who are in a time of suffering. Helping them find strength within to survive and grow from the experience”
Meaningful Work	32%
“Sharing the space with patients and families and hearing their personal stories illustrate the closeness that develops over time” “Close, intensive and long-term contact with patients “ “The entire spectrum of experience – existential, psychological, social, cultural, biological – dealing with people from all classes and backgrounds at a critical time in time in their lives”
Patient/Family Strengths	8%
“Being able to witness patients and families as they identify their own strengths and resiliencies to cope with illness” “Most families are very positive, despite (or because of) the fact that their child has had such a serious illness”
Personal Growth	6%
“This work infuses me daily with getting perspective on my own life” “The job pushes you to be a better person each day based on the strength and determination of the families” “You have to be very creative, ready and open to learn every day”
Positive interactions with Colleagues	7%
“Meeting others who are genuinely compassionate and involved and doing interesting research” “Working in a multi-professional team, appreciating what other disciplines bring to evaluation and how we each provide support for children and families”