Nursing Work Environment and Clinical Nurses’ Perceptions During the COVID-19 Pandemic in South Korea: A Mixed-Method Study

Background The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the nursing work environment, highlighting critical gaps in staffing, managerial support, and infection control. This study aims to investigate the nursing work environment and clinical nurses’ perceptions during the COVID-19 pandemic in South Korea. Methods A mixed-methods study with an explanatory sequential design was conducted. Quantitative data were collected using the Korean version of the Practice Environment Scale-Nursing Work Index (PES-NWI) and analyzed using descriptive statistics. Qualitative data were obtained through interviews and analyzed using traditional content analysis. Results The overall PES-NWI score was 2.31 (SD = 0.38), indicating an unfavorable work environment. Nurses reported inadequate staffing, limited participation in decision-making, and inconsistent infection control practices. The lowest-rated item was “Enough registered nurses to provide quality patient care” (M = 1.79), reflecting severe staffing shortages. Nurses emphasized the need for greater managerial support, structured communication, and targeted infection control training. Conclusions Improving staffing levels, enhancing managerial support, and developing comprehensive infection control protocols are essential to strengthen the nursing work environment and improve nurse satisfaction and care quality during future public health emergencies.