Purpose: This study explored the comprehensive experiences of nurses who volunteered for medical services at Saemangeum Jamboree using a systematic qualitative Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) analysis framework. Methods: Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with 12 nurses between March and October 2024. The collected data were analyzed using a conventional content analysis methodology with ATLAS.ti 6.2 software. Subsequently, the derived subcategories were systematically organized and classified within a SWOT matrix framework to provide structured insights into the experiences of the volunteer nursing. Results: The comprehensive analysis yielded 125 meaningful codes, which were systematically categorized into 23 distinct sub-themes and ultimately structured into 14 overarching themes within the SWOT matrix framework. The identified strengths included nursing expertise and clinical competency, building therapeutic trust through patient-centered care, and creative problem-solving in crisis situations. The identified weaknesses included experiencing physical and emotional exhaustion, language barriers due to limited foreign language proficiency, and initial resource constraints that compromised the quality of care. The opportunities identified included patient thankfulness reinforcing commitment to duty and guardians, valuable experience in cross-disciplinary collaboration highlighting the importance of teamwork, and increased sponsorship resources throughout the event progression. The identified threats encompassed a lack of response from administrative organization, absence of standardized nursing protocols or manuals, occurrence of the coronavirus disease 2019, ambiguity in roles and responsibility, and insufficient measures to ensure physical safety in the service area. Conclusion: The comprehensive findings of this study suggest that maximizing the effectiveness of nurse volunteers and enhancing volunteer satisfaction in future large-scale international events requires strengthened pre-event training programs, establishment of a systematic resource management system, and development of comprehensive response protocols for various emergency situations. This study provides essential foundational data and practical insights for planning and operating medical volunteer programs at similar international events and contributes valuable knowledge to the field of disaster nursing and humanitarian healthcare delivery.

Purpose: This study aimed to explore the experiences, essence, and structure of charge nurses operating in rotational appointment systems in tertiary hospitals. Methods: This qualitative study adopted a phenomenological approach. The participants were 11 charge nurses with rotational role experience working in tertiary hospitals in a metropolitan area. Data were collected through individual in-depth interviews lasting an average of 40~60 minutes and, conducted between July 8 and August 30, 2024. Colaizzi's phenomenological method was used for data analysis, which led to the identification of 35 themes, 14 theme clusters, and five categories. Results: The study revealed five categories: (1) ‘Taking the first step as a charge nurse,’ (2) ‘Enduring the weight of being a charge nurse,’ (3) ‘Creating my own charge nurse role,’ (4) ‘Mixed emotions returning after completing the rotation,’ and (5) ‘Ready to take the leap to the next level.’ The findings indicated that charge nurses experienced significant personal and professional growth while performing their roles. They demonstrated leadership, coordinated tasks and personnel, supported staff development, resolved issues, and facilitated communication. This role had a positive impact on both individual professional development and organizational efficiency. Despite initial feelings of anxiety and fear, charge nurses embraced challenges and contributed to improvements in organizational culture and patient safety while setting new goals for continuous growth even after completing their roles. Even in the post-term, they continued to expand their perspectives as nursing managers, increased their influence, and set new goals while pursuing ongoing growth and development. Conclusion: This study provides an in-depth understanding of the experiences of charge nurses in rotational systems in tertiary hospitals. Given the crucial role of charge nurses in the nursing leadership pipeline, it is essential to establish comprehensive hospital-wide programs to nurture leadership skills among front-line nursing managers and create supportive policies that fully enable their engagement.

Purpose: This qualitative study aimed to explore and interpret the meaning and essence of end-of-life care as experienced by nurses in internal medicine wards caring for patients who had completed advance directives (AD). It sought to understand the psychological conflicts, ethical dilemmas, and evolving perceptions of care encountered by nurses during the end-of-life process. Additionally, the study focuses on providing foundational data to support the clinical implementation of the AD system, thereby contributing strategies that improve the quality of end-of-life care and uphold patients' rights and dignity in hospital settings. Methods: A qualitative content analysis was conducted using in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 12 nurses from internal medicine wards in tertiary hospitals located in Seoul and surrounding metropolitan areas. Participants had direct experience in providing end-of-life care for patients with ADs. Interviews focused on capturing nurses’ real-life experiences and reflections related to such care. Data were analyzed systematically following the eight-step qualitative content analysis method proposed by Downe and Wamboldt, allowing for the identification of meaningful categories, themes, and patterns. Results: Analysis revealed five major themes and 16 subthemes. The major themes included: (1) Experiences of repeated end-of-life care and advance directives in internal medicine wards, reflecting the frequent encounters of nurses with terminally-ill patients and their ADs; (2) Multifaceted experiences of end-of-life care based on ADs, suggesting the complexities of care shaped by the presence or absence of ADs; (3) Limitations and dilemmas in AD implementation, highlighting the ethical conflicts arising from low public awareness and inconsistent clinical practices; (4) Shifts in perceptions of life and death, including the development of practical attitudes towards death through repeated exposure to dying patients, illustrating the evolving views of nurses; and (5) Hopes for improving end-of-life care in internal medicine wards, emphasizing the need for enhanced care environments, educational support, and institutional backing. Conclusion: The findings underscore the importance of increasing awareness and improving the clinical application of ADs. Establishing systematic support structures is essential to respect patient autonomy and enhance the quality of end-of-life care in internal medicine wards.

Purpose: This study was aimed to explore and analyze the experiences of nurses regarding department transfers following the sudden closure of a ward due to the collective resignation of residents. Methods: Data were collected from November 1 to 29, 2024, and a qualitative content analysis was employed. The participants were 11 nurses who were transferred to different departments following a ward’s sudden closure owing to the residents’ collective resignation. Results: A total of six themes and 24 sub-themes were identified. the first theme is ‘After the resident left, the ward was closed’. The second theme is ‘Various job placements were assigned after the ward’s unfortunate closure’. The third theme is ‘Difficulty adjusting to the new environment and leaning to adapt’. The fourth theme is ‘Changes in the nurse-physician relationships’, and the subtheme is ‘Surprised by doctors seeking nurses' opinions due to the absence of residents. The fifth theme is ‘Become an expert at adapting’. The sixth theme is ‘Worries about the future and a faint glimmer of hope’. Conclusion: This study highlights the challenges nurses encountered in adjusting to new departments following the unprecedented mass resignation of residents and the ensuing ward closure. Nurses initially faced difficulties, feeling expendable in the new environment. However, through the support and collaboration of their colleagues, they demonstrated resilience and adapted effectively. The study also noted that, despite the absence of residents, direct communication between medical staff and patients continued to function smoothly, facilitating their involvement in treatment planning alongside specialists and professors. Although departmental transfers can lead to increased job stress for nurses, successful adaptation during these transitions fosters professional growth by enhancing their knowledge, skills, and influence. Furthermore, knowledge sharing among nursing staff contributes to the overall development of the organization. To promote both personal growth and organizational advancement, nursing managers must actively listen to nurses’ perspectives about departmental transfers and provide compassionate support to assist in their adaptation. Creating an organizational culture that recognizes and values the contributions of colleagues who have undergone transfers is essential. By establishing a systematic approach that facilitates successful adaptation and fostering a positive, accepting nursing culture, departmental transfers can be transformed into an effective strategy for enhancing the professionalism and capabilities of nursing staff.

Purpose: This study explored emergency nurses’ perception of and experiences with infection control in the emergency department (ED). Methods: This qualitative study employed focus group interviews and conventional content analysis. The participants were 19 nurses working in the ED of three general hospitals in the metropolitan area, and the data collection period was from July 1, 2024, to August 30, 2024. Four focus group interviews were conducted with each group consisting of 4~5 participants. Interviews were conducted for approximately 80 minutes per group. The interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim immediately afterward. Data were analyzed using conventional content analysis. Results: A total of 167 meaningful statements were extracted from the interviews. Five main themes and 15 subthemes were identified through interview analysis. 1) Limited information with “Limited information at the entrance of the ED” and “Challenges in sharing information”; 2) The gap between guidelines and reality with “Difficulty in adhering to guidelines due to a shortage of isolation rooms”, “Underestimating protective isolation”, “Skepticism due to practical limitations” and, “The need for infection control guidelines to fit ED circumstances”; 3) Application of guidelines that deviated from the principles with “Different nursing practice based on visual judgment”, “Guidelines that were overlooked in emergency situations” and, “Justifying the avoidance of tedious work by claiming to help prevent infection”; 4) Insensitivity to infection with “Performing only pretended infection control”, “Overlooking the importance of protective equipment”, and “Being became insensitive to infection”; and 5) The need to strengthen the organizational culture of infection control with “Interpreting the same guideline differently by individuals”, “The need for support from senior nurses to comply with the guidelines”, and “The need for practical training that reflects the reality of the ED”. Conclusion: ED nurses faced challenges in complying with infection control guidelines in the ED. These challenges were attributed to a combination of physical, structural, and personal factors. A unique feature of this study is its emphasis on the organizational culture of infection control. To improve compliance with infection control guidelines among emergency nurses, it is imperative to improve their physical and structural environment and provide regular practical training. This approach aims to foster an organizational culture that places a strong emphasis on infection control.

Purpose: This study aimed to examine the impact of resilience and learning agility on organizational commitment among nurses who experienced job rotation. Methods: This descriptive correlational study was conducted with a convenience sample of 180 nurses who experienced job rotation within one year at a university hospital in C city. Data were collected from July to August 2022. A total of 176 valid responses were analyzed using scales measuring organizational commitment, resilience, and learning agility. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, Pearson's correlation coefficients, and multiple regression using the SPSS 27.0 program. Results: The results demonstrated that resilience emerged as the most significant predictor of organizational commitment among nurses who experienced job rotation, followed by satisfaction with their current department and the reason for departmental change. Conclusion: The results indicate that resilience significantly influences organizational commitment among job-rotated nurses. Future research should focus on developing and implementing programs to enhance resilience among nurses who experience job rotation, thereby improving their organizational commitment.

Purpose: To highlight the experiences of nurses who are promoted through a career development system that recognizes and rewards their expertise based on their clinical experience. Methods: This study involved 11 nurses who voluntarily participated at Clinical Nurse III level or above from a tertiary hospital. Data were collected through individual in-depth interviews from March 4 to 28, 2024, using semi-structured and open-ended questions. Analysis was performed using the Colaizzi' phenomenological method. Results: The results of the study were derived into 32 themes, 13 theme clusters, and 5 categories: ‘The promotion process you chose to grow as a leader’, ‘A rugged climb to professional recognition’, ‘Glorious CN III title’, ‘Reborn as a professional nurse’, and ‘The career ladder system needs improvement but it is essential’. Conclusion: This study revealed the experiences of CN III nurses who were promoted through the career development system. Nurses hope that this system will allow them to articulate their expertise more clearly and be rewarded for their valuable experiences. By assessing the career development needs of the nurses, we aimed to better recognize their skills and enhance the significance of their experiences.

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.

The rapid spread of novel infectious diseases, driven by globalization and transportation, has caused significant global damage. This study aimed to deeply explore the meaning of nursing experiences from nurses who performed holistic care for COVID-19 patients. Methods: Nurses from a tertiary hospital's COVID-19 isolation ward from January 1 to March 31, 2021, were included. Data were collected through 1:1 in-depth interviews with 17 nurses who understood the research purpose and agreed to participate. The transcribed interview data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: Five themes and 13 sub-themes were derived from 47 codes. The five themes included 'The beginning of new nursing,' 'New nursing while wearing personal protective equipment,' 'End-of-life care for patients,' 'Fruitfulness of nursing for COVID-19 patients,' and 'Demands for better nursing.' Conclusion: Nurses provided holistic and high-complexity nursing care to COVID-19 patients, experienced personal growth, and recognized the importance of colleagues. The unique context of 'isolation' for COVID-19 patients has resulted in profound end-of-life care experiences for nurses, highlighting the demand for support programs to address this issue. Furthermore, it shows the necessity for staffing support tailored to patient care.

Purpose: This study aimed to explore and describe the experiences of helper nurses deployed in COVID-19 dedicated wards, seeking a deeper understanding of the significance inherent in their experiences. Methods: Sixteen nurses with over one month of experience working as helper nurses in dedicated COVID-19 wards were selected as participants. Individual interviews were conducted between July and August 2023 using a semistructured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using the methods described by Elo and Kyngäs (2007). Results: The analysis revealed two categories comprising six themes derived from helper nurses’ experiences. These categories include “Confronting Professional Challenges” and “Growing as a More Professional Nurse”. Conclusion: Further studies are necessary to explore helper nurses’ experiences of infectious disease disaster situations. Nurses experience role conflicts, knowledge gaps, and burnout. Therefore, developing protocols for tasks and education is essential in highly uncertain situations and when new responsibilities arise. Establishing systematic support systems for stress reduction and enhancing social support among nurses is crucial. Therefore, additional research is required to understand the growth and impact of helper nurses.

Purpose: To review systematically the qualitative research related to the patient-safety competence of nurses based on nurses’ nursing experiences, synthesizing the results understanding. Method: The well-known Thomas and Harden meta-synthesis method was applied. Five databases were searched for relevant literature: CINAHL , RISS , DBpia, KISS, NDSL. Results: Six qualitative studies were selected for review. Three themes were synthesized: patient-safety incidents and patient-safety competency of nurses in emergency situations; processes to advance patient-safety competency in nursing; advancing patient-safety competency in nursing. Eight subthemes were identified. Conclusion: This study improved the understanding of nurses’ experiences in terms of patient-safetycompetenc. Based on systematic review and meta-synthesis of basic patient-care data, study results suggest a direction for the development of patient-safety competencies in nursing and provide evidence for further research.

본 연구의 목적은 환자경험평가와 관련하여 그동안 주로 연구되었던 평가자 (입원경험 환자) 관점에서 벗어나 환자경험평가의 주서비스제공자인 간호사 관 점에서 시사점을 고찰하고, 코칭계가 환자경험평가 시행 이후 의료기관에서 강 화해야 할 코칭적 접근 방법에 대한 기초자료를 제시하여 의료기관 내 코칭문화 확산과 동시에 환자경험평가의 향상에 기여하려는 것이다. 목적을 달성하기 위 해 환자경험평가의 설문항목과 평가 결과를 분석하고 간호사 대상 코칭 관련 연 구를 분석하였다. 도출된 문제점은 간호사의 역할 비중이 과다하여 심리적 부담 감이 가중되고, 간호서비스 수준이 상향평준화 되어 있어 획기적인 점수 향상을 기대하기 어려우며, 대인적 측면에서 위로와 공감, 의사소통 부분 개선이 필요 하고, 제도와 시스템 등 구성원이 해결할 수 없는 장벽들로 인해 동기부여가 제 한적이라는 점 등이다. 이를 기반으로 간호사 코칭역량 강화, 경영진 및 관리자 코칭리더십 강화, 위로와 공감, 소통 등 대인관계 역량 강화 등의 코칭적 접근 방법을 제시하였다.

Purpose: This study aimed to identify and analyze the experience of passing and repealing the Nurses Act in Parliament. Methods: This qualitative study used content analysis. The data were collected through in-depth interviews October 16 to November 23, 2023. Results: The qualitative content analysis revealed five themes and 16 subthemes. The themes included: “Learning the Nurses Act through different channels”, “The Nurses Act’s passage, which strengthens the professionalism and legitimacy of the nursing profession”, “Looking back and feeling the joy and frustration of the process of getting it through the Congress and getting it repealed”, “An abandoned nursing practice due to bullying”, “Nevertheless, moving toward the re-enactment of the Nurses Act with hope”. Conclusion: Nurses expected the Nurses Act to recognize their expertise and clarify legal nursing practices; however, they were outraged and perplexed when the president vetoed the Nurses Act, and they felt sorry for the Nurses Act, which was turned into a political tool in the conflict between medical professions. Nevertheless, they hoped that the Nurses Act would be re-promoted through opinions and discussions with various professions and public awareness activities by developing nurses’ political capabilities and preparing a basis for the Nurses Act.

Purpose: The study aim was to understand the experiences of intensive care unit (ICU) nurses in labor union activities. Methods: A descriptive qualitative study and content analysis were conducted. The participants included nine ICU nurses who shared their experiences with labor union activities. The data were collected through in-depth interviews. Results: The experiences of ICU nurses with labor union activities encompassed five themes: “The Initial Step in Union Activities”, “Benefits Derived from Union Participation”, “Concerns Regarding Union Activities”, “The Non-Omnipotence of Unions”, and “Achieving Mutual Benefits through Union Activities”. Conclusion: The study findings revealed that ICU nurses strive to improve their work and the nursing environment through labor unions, despite facing negative perceptions of union involvement.

Purpose: This study aimed to identify and describe the experiences of new nurses trained by clinical nursing educators. Methods: Data were collected through focus groups and in-depth interviews conducted between July 27 and August 12, 2021. The collected data was qualitatively analyzed through content analysis. Results: Six themes and 19 subthemes emerged. The themes included: “Worried about not adjusting to work”, “Not feeling at ease with the preceptor”, “Experiencing the benefits of working with the clinical nurse educator”, “Getting practical support from the clinical nurse educator”, “Receiving mental and emotional support from the clinical nurse educator”, and “Appreciating successful adjustment”. Conclusion: This study confirmed the importance of the educator’s role in helping new nurses adjust to the workplace and develop competence.

This study aimed to develop the Traumatic Event Experience Scale in Perioperative Nurses (TEE-PON) and assess its validity and reliability. The TEE-PON underwent two distinct phases: scale development and scale evaluation. In the scale development phase, an initial set of 26 preliminary items was formulated through a comprehensive literature review and a focus group interview. Content validity was assessed by six experts, resulting in a refined total of 16 items after eliminating 10 items and modifying six others. In the scale evaluation phase, a survey was administered to 109 perioperative nurses. Following item analysis and exploratory factor analysis, the final scale emerged with four distinct factors encompassing 15 items. These factors were identified as ‘Conflict and violence in interpersonal relationships,’ ‘The death of a patient,’ ‘Witnessing the patient’s damaged body,’ and ‘Limitations of the work environment’. Correlation analysis between these sub-factors and post-traumatic stress, compassion fatigue, and job satisfaction confirmed the concurrent validity of the scale. The Cronbach’s α for the internal consistency of the finalized scale was 0.89, with sub-scales exhibiting values ranging from 0.69 to 0.87. The TEE-PON can be used as a valuable tool for assessing traumatic events experienced by perioperative nurses. Additionally, it can contribute to the development of intervention programs aimed at preventing post-traumatic stress disorder and compassion fatigue while concurrently enhancing job satisfaction.

본 연구는 COVID-19 팬데믹 상황에서 보건소 간호사로 근무한 경험을 심층적으로 이해하고, 본질을 규명하고자 시도되었다. C도의 3개 군 보건소에서 COVID-19 팬데믹 기간 동안 1년 이상 근무한 경험이 있는 대상자를 연구참여자로 선정하여 Colaizzi가 제안한 현상학적 방법에 따라 분석하였다. 연구결 과 ‘COVID-19에 대한 부정적 감정’, ‘직업적 소명의식 고취’, ‘신종 감염병 대응 체계 구축에 앞장’의 3가 지 주제모음이 도출되었다. 이를 바탕으로 간호사들을 위한 심리적 문제 지원 강화, 편중된 업무의 개선, 전문 인력 지원, 체계적 교육 지원, 적정 수준의 보상체계 마련 등의 필요성을 확인하였다. 따라서 본 연구 결과를 토대로 보건의료 체계 내 주요 인력인 간호사의 지지체계를 마련하고, 효율적인 감염병 대응 전략 을 마련하기 위해 다각도의 관심을 가지고 활발한 논의가 이루어져야 할 것이다.

Purpose: This study describes and seeks to understand the experiences of Korean nurses at a specialty hospital in the United Arab Emirates. Methods: Data were collected from September 12 to October 12, 2023, through in-depth interviews with 10 Korean nurses who had worked at a specialty hospital in the Middle East for more than five years. Recorded interviews were transcribed verbatim. The data were analyzed using the qualitative thematic analysis method suggested by Braun and Clarke. Results: The analysis identified four themes and 10 sub-themes. The themes are as follows: “Job insecurity and a rapid change of employment conditions”, “Stress of a dual organizational culture”, “Confusion due to cultural differences”, and “Advantages and rewards of working abroad”. Conclusion: Korean hospitals expanding into the Middle East through international medical projects can utilize the information gleaned from Korean nurses' experiences at the United Arab Emirates Specialty Hospital.

Purpose: This study utilizes a phenomenological research method to understand the nature of role adaptation experience of PA nurses. Methods: This was a qualitative study that applied Colaizzi’s phenomenological research method to understand the nature of role adaptation experience of PA nurses. The study participants were thirteen PA nurses (three men and ten women) with over five years of experience. For data collection, individual in-depth interviews were conducted, each about 50 to 90 minutes long. Individual interviews were conducted once or twice. Colaizzi’s method was used to analyze data. Results: The result of this study had 11 clusters of themes and 4 major themes were derived from the analysis: “parallel lines of conflict,”“anxiety about unclear future,”“disorganization of identity,”and “my own way to learn about myself.”These four major themes are structured chronologically to the extent possible but are not mechanically segmented based on time. Conclusion: This study recognizes the seriousness of PA nurses’problems in the absence of research on PA nurses’role adaptation experience and recommends that appropriate research is necessary. Standardized work guidelines and positive awareness of the role of PA nurses are necessary and are supported by PA nurses to establish their position as professionals.

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.