The article discusses the ongoing struggles of nurses in South Korea, particularly in non-metropolitan university hospitals, who have been forced to take on the duties typically performed by medical residents. Despite many residents returning to work after walking out in protest of medical school expansions, the workload on nurses remains unchanged, leading to frustrations and feelings of being underappreciated. One nurse shared their emotional turmoil upon being questioned by a resident about their training during a period when they had to step in and fulfill their responsibilities.

As the healthcare community grapples with unresolved conflicts, the nursing staff's frustrations are compounded by a lack of clearly defined roles, exacerbated by the introduction of new regulations without proper structure. The article highlights instances of residents attempting to shift their responsibilities onto nurses, creating tensions between staff and affecting patient care. There are calls for the government and hospitals to better define the roles of residents and nurses to alleviate these ongoing conflicts and ensure patient safety.

Furthermore, the situation underscores a broader issue in the medical field regarding respect and acknowledgment for nurses, who feel the burden of additional responsibilities without the authority or support needed to voice their concerns. The complexities of inter-departmental relationships within hospitals suggest a need for a cultural shift to foster better collaboration and understanding among healthcare professionals, which is critical for the quality of patient care and the well-being of the staff.