백지범 · 김미정 · 이재숙

의료위기 상황에서 전담간호사의 문화적 신념과 역할 인식: 문화기술지

Cultural Beliefs and Role Perceptions of Certified Nurses during a Healthcare Crisis: An Ethnographic Study

진료보조인력, 역할, 질적연구

Physician assistant; Role; Qualitative research; Ethnography study

질적연구 26권 2호

2025년 11월

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the experiences, role perceptions, and cultural beliefs of certified nurses in South Korea during a medical crisis, with particular emphasis on workload, role negotiation, value systems, and perceived needs for systemic improvement. Methods: Employing an ethnographic qualitative design, data were collected from November 2024 to January 2025 using purposive sampling strategy. Thirteen nurses from two general hospitals participated in the study. Data collection methods included in-depth interviews and participant observation. The analysis was conducted thematically, adhering to Spradley’s ethnographic analysis framework to identify patterns and emergent themes. Results: Four overarching themes emerged. First, nurses reported experiencing an increased workload and professional demands due to role ambiguity and expanded responsibilities, necessitating advanced clinical judgment and technical expertise. This situation resulted in heightened stress and underscored the need for clearer role definitions. Second, participants highlighted the significance of self-initiated efforts and recognition from colleagues and supervisors in negotiating and constructing their professional roles, which facilitated identity formation and adaptation. Third, a diversity of values and beliefs existed within the nursing workforce, occasionally leading to intra-group conflicts and tensions, thereby emphasizing the necessity for organizational alignment. Finally, systemic barriers such as insufficient education, inadequate financial compensation, and unresolved legal and policy issues were identified as impediments to role development. Conclusion: To fortify nurses’ professional roles and enhance the quality of patient care, it is imperative to address these systemic barriers through targeted educational initiatives, appropriate compensation, and institutional reforms. This study offers valuable insights into the subjective experiences and contextual factors influencing the professional roles of nurses in crisis settings.