AOSW Connections
Editorial Team
Editor-in-Chief
Amy Colver, MSSA, MA, LISW
Editor
Katherine Easton, MSW, LCSW, OSW-C
AOSW Communications Director
Brittany Hahn, LCSW
Managing Editor
Patricia Sullivan
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2025 Themes
February: Workplace & Culture
May: Therapeutic Techniques
August: Palliative Care
November: Caregivers
Strength in the Dark: Navigating Challenges with Resilience in Oncology Social Work
By Lisa Caparella
In recent years, oncology social workers (OSWs) have faced extraordinary challenges, as the world has been reshaped by a series of interconnected crises—ranging from a global pandemic and political unrest to natural disasters, wars, and environmental catastrophes. These upheavals have intensified the emotional burden on healthcare workers, including OSWs, who provide critical support to cancer patients and their families during some of life’s most difficult moments.
Despite these challenges, the work of OSWs remains profoundly meaningful. The role requires compassion, resilience, and a deep commitment to helping others. However, this ever-evolving landscape has added new layers of stress and complexity. As OSWs, we must not only navigate these challenges but also prioritize our own well-being in order to continue the important work we do.
As Elizabeth Kübler-Ross wisely said, “We are all like stained-glass windows—beautiful and strong, especially when the light from within shines through, even in the darkest of times.” This quote speaks directly to the inner strength that OSWs must cultivate in their work. When the external world feels overwhelming, it is often our inner light—the resilience, compassion, and sense of purpose—that sustains us through the most trying moments.
Compassion satisfaction—the fulfillment we find in our work—relies on our ability to care for ourselves. Recognizing the demands of our profession and intentionally carving out time to recharge helps preserve the passion and energy that drives our commitment to patients. By nurturing our own well-being, we ensure we can continue to offer meaningful support without burning out.
In response to the rising demands on our healthcare system, many healthcare organizations—including our own—have developed proactive programs to support their staff. These initiatives include a variety of wellness offerings designed to ease stress, improve emotional well-being, and promote a sense of community. Our mindfulness drop-in sessions, somatic yoga classes, and pet therapy program are just a few examples of the ways we’ve sought to support both staff and patients. These programs help foster resilience in our teams by providing spaces where they can find comfort, relaxation, and moments of peace.
We also offer creative outlets like our poetry program, where patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers alike can engage in self-expression and creativity. These opportunities allow participants to explore different avenues of support—some may find solace in yoga, others in the companionship of therapy animals, or in expressing their feelings through poetry. Our goal is to meet people where they are, offering multiple pathways to well-being.
In addition to these internal programs, like “We Care Teams” and “Adopt a Department,” were established post-pandemic to provide direct support to healthcare workers. These initiatives ensure that staff members have access to mental health professionals and resources during times of crisis. Resilience workshops and coping skills training were also introduced to equip OSWs with practical tools for managing stress and processing challenging events. These efforts are essential for maintaining the emotional health of our workforce, enabling them to continue providing compassionate care for patients and their families.
The Association of Oncology Social Work (AOSW) provides invaluable resources that truly make a difference in the lives of OSWs. Personally, I’ve found that programs like peer mentoring, clinical drop-in sessions, and educational workshops don’t just offer professional development, they foster a deep sense of connection and solidarity within our community. These resources are designed not only to help us grow individually, but to strengthen the collective resilience of our field. Through these opportunities, many of us find encouragement, whether through direct participation or simply by reading the thoughtful, supportive messages shared via email. It’s in these moments—whether engaging directly or quietly absorbing the shared wisdom—that we remember we are in this together, supported by a network that understands the unique challenges we face.
By embracing these resources and taking intentional steps to care for our own well-being, OSWs can continue to thrive in their roles. Self-care is not a luxury—it is a necessity. It allows us to remain present, compassionate, and effective in the care we provide for our patients and their families. Just as we give so much of ourselves to our work, we must also remember to nurture and replenish ourselves, so that we can continue to offer our light to others.