Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing

Research Paper

Experiences of work performance among physician assistant nurses during the period of healthcare disruption in South Korea: a qualitative content analysis: Juyoung Ha, Minji Kim; J Korean Acad Nurs 2026;56(1):98-107. Published online February 24, 2026; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4040/jkan.25133

Abstract PDF ePub: Purpose
This study aimed to explore the work experiences of physician assistant (dedicated nurses in Korea) during the medical service gap caused by physician–government conflicts.
Methods
A qualitative design employing individual in-depth interviews was used. Data were collected from July 18 to August 13, 2025. Fifteen nurses who worked as physician assistant 5 during the healthcare service gap participated in the study. Participants were categorized as follows: (1) nurses in the role before the period of healthcare disruption, (2) those who voluntarily applied after the period of healthcare disruption, and (3) those involuntarily assigned during the period of healthcare disruption. Data were analyzed using conventional content analysis.
Results
Three categories with six subcategories were identified: (1) reconstructing inner experience within an expanded role (unprepared responsibility and burden, inner fulfillment discovered through continuity of care); (2) reconfiguring relationships from a boundary position (feeling distant as “the same yet different” nurses, expansion of mutual understanding in a crisis context); and (3) precarious positioning within an unestablished system (uncertain standing after residents’ return, episodic implementation of non-standardized training).
Conclusion
This study showed that physician assistant who filled residents’ gaps in an incomplete system experienced heavier role burdens, blurred job identity, unequal conditions, and unstable affiliation, while some also found renewed meaning and fulfillment through continuity of care and closer collaboration. With structured education, clearly defined scopes of practice after residents’ return, and stable legal and organizational support, these nurses can function as more than temporary substitutes and help sustain continuity and quality of patient care.

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Review Paper

Legal and Practical Solutions for the Expanding the Roles of Medical Support Staff Nurses: Su Jung Choi, Min Young Kim; J Korean Acad Nurs 2024;54(3):300-310. Published online August 31, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4040/jkan.24075

Purpose
Medical support staff nurses have traditionally performed various supportive tasks for physicians, often extending beyond standard nursing roles. Despite these long-standing practices, there is a notable lack of official recognition and legal protection for these expanded responsibilities, leading to increasing legal concerns. Therefore, there is a need for proposing a rational solution to address these issues.
Methods
The number of medical support staff nurses is rising, particularly as they fill gaps left by the 2024 resident physician strike. The study focuses on identifying potential challenges arising from this shift and developing strategic improvements to address these challenges effectively.
Results
This study proposed legally expanding the scope of nursing duties and creating a robust system for training and certifying nurses to handle these responsibilities effectively, by integrating these roles within the advanced practice nurse (APN) framework.
Conclusion
Integrating these roles within the framework of APN can offer a sustainable and legally sound solution to the ongoing healthcare crisis, ensuring patient safety and safeguarding healthcare workers’ legal rights.

Citations

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