J Korean Acad Nurs Adm.  2025 Jan;31(1):14-24. 10.11111/jkana.2025.31.1.14.

Nurses' Hospital Selection within a Dual Labor Market Framework: The Dilemma of Professional Identity

• Bae HJ
• Kim HS
• Bang HL

• KMID: 2566077
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.11111/jkana.2025.31.1.14

Abstract

Purpose
This qualitative study explored nurses' experiences in selecting hospitals within a dual labor market framework.
Methods
Focus group interviews were conducted with 18 general nurses, divided into three groups of six, each representing both large and medium-sized hospitals.
Results
The analysis revealed two themes, four categories, and nine subcategories, highlighting differences between large and medium-sized hospitals. Nurses who choose large hospitals prioritized "professional development" but faced "struggles to maintain professional identity" while those selecting medium-sized hospitals sought "stability and accessibility" but experienced "crisis of professional identity."
Conclusion
This study highlights significant differences in the factors influencing nurses' hospital choices based on hospital size. These findings provide foundational data for establishing the Enforcement Decree and Rules of the Nursing Act, emphasizing the importance of developing legal measures to strengthen nurses' professional identity and promote a balanced and sustainable nursing labor market.

Keyword

Legislation; Health workforce; Qualitative research; Identity; Professional role