Purpose
This study explored and characterized the interpersonal conflict experiences among mid-career nurses working together.
Methods
Data were collected from May 2021 to February 2022 through individual in-depth interviews of eight mid-career nurses with conflict experience among nurse colleagues in their work place. The transcribed data were analyzed using Colaizzi's phenomenological method.
Results
Four categories were identified: experiencing discomfort in relationships as reverse discrimination; bearing the heavy burden of being pushed up and down; adopting self-rescue measures to cope with the current situation; and navigating a workplace where resignation and expectation coexist.
Conclusion
This study provided an in-depth exploration of interpersonal conflict experiences among mid-career nurses’ working together. Thus, shedding light on the need for proactive educational and policy initiatives to effectively manage and mitigate such conflicts among nurse colleagues in this career stage.

Citations

• The Effect of Leader-Member Exchange on Turnover Intention among Competent-stage Nurses: Structural Relationship of Team-Member Exchange and Nursing Performance
  Ji Hye Park, Seok Hee Jeong, Hyoung Eun Chang, Sunmi Kim
  Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing Administration.2026; 32(3): 198.     CrossRef
• Shift Work and Happiness in Nursing: Identifying Influencing Factors Through Seligman Authentic Happiness Theory
  Jihye Kim, Minyoung Kim, Jieun Kwak, Seungmin Yu, Sojung Park, Yaelim Lee
  Advances in Nursing Science.2026;[Epub]     CrossRef
• Effects of Organizational Cynicism and Socialization on Nurses’ Job Burnout: A Career‐Stage‐Based Analysis
  Hee Jin Kim, Hae Jeong An, Soo-hyun Nam, Jungmin Lee, Maria Engström
  Journal of Nursing Management.2025;[Epub]     CrossRef