이나연 · 이민재 · 이승현

응급병동 간호사의 근무문화: Focused Ethnography

Work Culture of Emergency Ward Nurses: A Focused Ethnography

근무, 문화, 간호, 입원, 응급의료서비스

Work; Culture; Nursing care; Patient admission; Emergency medical services

질적연구 26권 2호

2025년 11월

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore and comprehensively understand the work culture of nurses in emergency wards. Methods: A focused ethnography was conducted using focus groups and semi-structured interviews with ten emergency ward nurses working at a tertiary hospital designated as a regional emergency medical center in Seoul, Korea. Data were collected between December 10, 2024, and December 21, 2024, using a purposive and snowball sampling technique. The data analysis involved domain analysis, taxonomic analysis, componential analysis, and thematic analysis. Results: Six themes representing the work culture of nurses in the emergency ward were extracted: pressure from a cyclic system due to regulatory standards amid constant admissions and transfers, provision of nursing care across all specialties necessitating professional collaboration, work routines dictated by uncertainty and high demands, navigation of tensions and conflicts at departmental boundaries, collaborative efforts during critical patient events, and efficient task performance in response to time and staffing shortages. Conclusions: This study provides insights into the challenges faced by emergency ward nurses and highlights the importance of promoting their professional development. To enhance the unique work culture of emergency wards, securing organizational and institutional support is essential. Such initiatives will not only improve working conditions but also lead to better patient outcomes.