Purpose: This study aimed to identify the experiences of career nurses balancing clinical nursing with ongoing studies. Methods: This study was a qualitative study that used the content analysis method. Data were collected using focus group interviews with 17 career nurses with more than 5 years of clinical career at general hospital and above. Results: Six themes and 17 sub-themes were derived through qualitative content analysis. The themes included: “Chose nursing for practical reasons”, “A nurse profession that fits me”, “Seeking personal growth through ongoing studies”, “Practical challenges of being a nurse”, “The attributes that sustain commitment to clinical nursing”, “My future as a nurse”. Conclusion: This study confirmed the the driving force that enables career nurses who are pursuing academic degrees to sustain clinical nursing. The results of this study can be used as useful basic data for the management of career nurses.

Purpose: The purposes of this study was to identify the nurses' experiences of prolonged mask wearing in the context of COVID-19. Methods: This study was a qualitative study that used the content analysis method. Data were collected using focus group interviews with 18 nurses at a tertiary general hospital from April 13 to 27, 2023. Results: Five themes and 15 sub-themes emerged through qualitative content analysis. The themes included: “Mandatory or optional experience of wearing a mask unrelated to COVID-19”, “Mandatory KF94 masks during the COVID-19 pandemic”, “Multifaceted changes in life due to mandatory mask wearing”, “Unexpected benefits of wearing a mask”, “Difficulties with wearing masks continue even after the COVID-19 pandemic”. Conclusion: This study confirmed the discomfort and difficulties of prolonged mask wearing among nurses in the context of COVID-19. Our findings suggest that there is a need for organizational and national support for nurses who are required to continue wearing masks after the COVID-19 pandemic.