Inspiring hope in the oncology patient.

1. Cancer is a life-threatening disease that creates an uncertain and foreboding future, yet it is because of this uncertain future that hopes can be accommodated. 2. Inspiring hope is an intervention that can be used with many nursing diagnoses, especially when feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, powerlessness, and depression are present. 3. Most individuals are "hoping" ones, but at times the hoping process must be assisted. 4. The nurse can inspire hope by understanding the hoping process; offering nursing encouragement; and incorporating such skills as presence, touch, active listening, reality surveillance, and values clarification.