Purpose
This study explored the lived experiences of physician assistants (PAs) in Korea during the 2024 medical workforce shortage, focusing on how they perceived and adapted to their rapidly changing roles. The study investigated both the challenges PAs faced and the professional growth they experienced throughout the adaptation process. Methods: A phenomenological qualitative design was applied using Colaizzi’s method. In-depth interviews were conducted with 15 PAs at a tertiary hospital in Seoul between September 25, 2024 and February 1, 2025. Data were analyzed thematically. Results: Four major theme clusters emerged: changes in work environment and quality of life, role conflict and ambiguity in professional identity, dual aspects of role expansion including autonomy and burnout, and coping strategies and structural policy demands. Participants reported physical and emotional strain, but also described greater involvement in care decisions, improved patient relationships, and a stronger sense of professional identity. Conclusion: Amid the medical staffing crisis, PAs adapted to their expanded responsibilities and became key healthcare providers. While facing substantial burdens, they simultaneously experienced personal and professional growth. Institutional and legal support is essential to stabilize their roles and improve long-term healthcare outcomes.

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.

Purpose
The purpose of this study is to clearly classify the roles of Physician assistants and to identify obstacle factors and necessary factors for the operation of the system when they are performing the roles of Physician assistants. Methods: This is a descriptive research study to analyze the roles of Physician assistants and to understand the expected roles of Physician assistants according to each medical personnel (doctor, nurse, Physician assistants). Results: The obstacles to work are the lack of legal protection, and unclear work guidelines, and the matter necessary for the operation of the system is the legal protection. There were statistically significant differences in health collection ability, physical examination, drug response monitoring, and reporting in terms of the differences in role expectations considered by medical professionals regarding the roles of Physician assistants. Conclusion: Physician assistants need to develop various educational programs and materials, cultivate the ability to perform Physician assistants, and develop an advisory role through effective problem-solving between departments and increase the quality and satisfaction of Nursing care.

Citations

• Legislation of Medical Support Tasks in the Nursing Act as a Foundation for Nursing Professionalism and Role Expansion
  Su Jung Choi
  Korean Journal of Adult Nursing.2025; 37(2): 69.     CrossRef
• Experiences of Patients and Their Families Receiving Medical Services Provided by Advanced Practice Nurses at Tertiary General Hospitals
  Mi-Kyeong Jeon, Su Jung Choi, Ji Eun Han, Eun Kyung Kwon, Jeong Hee Park, Jeong Hye Kim
  Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing.2024; 54(4): 594.     CrossRef
• Legal and Practical Solutions for the Expanding the Roles of Medical Support Staff Nurses
  Su Jung Choi, Min Young Kim
  Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing.2024; 54(3): 300.     CrossRef
• Reflections on the Prospects of Korean Advanced Practice Nurses : Based on Flexner’s Professional Characteristics
  Eun Mi Kim, Su Jung Choi
  Journal of Korean Critical Care Nursing.2023; 16(3): 1.     CrossRef
• Development of Core Competency Scale for clinical nursing student educators
  Hyun Sook Park, Eun Hee Choi, Gyung Duck Kim, Young Hee Kim, Mi Yang Jeon, Hyenam Hwang
  The Journal of Korean Academic Society of Nursing Education.2022; 28(4): 345.     CrossRef