Challenges Faced by Nurses in Providing Holistic Care to Patients with Cancer at Federal Medical Centre, Jalingo

Background: Holistic cancer nursing requires integration of physical, psychological, social, and spiritual care components. Nurses in under-resourced Nigerian settings face multiple barriers to delivering this comprehensive care model. Aim: This study identified challenges faced by nurses in providing holistic care to cancer patients at Federal Medical Centre, Jalingo, Taraba State. Methods: A descriptive qualitative approach used in-depth interviews with 25 purposively selected registered nurses in oncology and medical wards. Thematic analysis guided data interpretation. Results: Major themes included inadequate palliative care training, absence of professional psycho-oncology support staff, lack of pain management medications, and emotional burnout from repeated patient losses. Spiritual care was rarely provided due to perceived role uncertainty. Patients' financial constraints also constrained optimal care delivery. Conclusion: Multiple systemic and individual-level challenges prevent holistic cancer nursing in North East Nigeria. Recommendations include oncology nursing education, multidisciplinary team development, essential medicines availability, and structured nurse psychological support services. Keywords: cancer nursing, holistic care, oncology, Jalingo, palliative nursing.