(Purpose) The purpose of this study is to analyze the process of Chinese compatriot women entering long-term care institutions and settling as nursing caregivers. It aims to identify the entry barriers and labor environment issues faced by nursing car...
(Purpose) The purpose of this study is to analyze the process of Chinese compatriot women entering long-term care institutions and settling as nursing caregivers. It aims to identify the entry barriers and labor environment issues faced by nursing caregivers and provide foundational data for policy development to promote social integration through labor in the long-term care sector.
(Research methods) In-depth interviews were conducted with five Chinese compatriot female nursing caregivers who have worked in long-term care institutions in the Seoul and Gyeonggi regions for more than seven years. The interview data were analyzed using phenomenological research methods and categorized into five themes, 14 components, and 40 meaning units.
(Findings) Chinese compatriot women faced economic burdens and linguistic and cultural barriers during the qualification acquisition process. They also experienced difficulties in the employment process due to a lack of institutional job placement support and social prejudice. In the workplace, unfair labor conditions, discrimination, and cultural conflicts occurred, but they established professional pride and identity through efforts to improve their expertise and build trust. Their experiences reveal both the potential for social integration through labor and the structural limitations and obstacles involved.
(Conclusion and recommendations) It is necessary to alleviate the entry barriers for Chinese compatriot female nursing caregivers, ensure fair employment placement, improve working conditions, and enhance continuous on-the-job training. Furthermore, social awareness improvement and institutional support should be promoted to help them settle stably as professional caregiving personnel and facilitate social integration.