Emotional Labor Experiences and the Formation of Professional Identity among Direct Care Workers of Nursing Facilities

This study examines the emotional labor experiences of caregivers and how these experiences contribute to the formation of their professional identities. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 caregivers working in nursing facilities in Seoul and the Gyeonggi provinces. The analysis revealed 34 meaning units, 12 themes, and 5 components. Caregivers described a process of “putting up with” and “acting out” uncomfortable emotions to meet the demands of their caregiving roles. As they gained experience and interacted with a diverse range of clients, their perceptions of care recipients evolved; they began to see them as “sick” or “in need of care.” This transformation was facilitated by self-reflection, which allowed caregivers to reassess their work. Through their interactions with elderly clients nearing the end of life, caregivers experienced personal growth, recognizing care recipients as “family” and identifying with their future selves. These experiences shifted their perspective from viewing caregiving as merely a job to appreciating it as a meaningful vocation. Additionally, caregivers developed professional skills, a sense of “professional responsibility,” and increased confidence in their work. This journey led to feelings of “reward and recognition as caregivers,” pride, and self-respect for their profession, along with a commitment to providing “good care” as professional caregivers. The findings underscore the importance of institutional and social support in strengthening caregivers' professional identities.