Abstract
Nunchi is a unique Korean concept often described as the ability to “read the room” by perceiving and responding to subtle interpersonal cues. It reflects a nuanced form of social attunement that involves sensitivity to context, anticipation of others’ needs, and adaptive behaviors to maintain harmony in relationships. In healthcare and nursing, where effective communication, teamwork, and leadership are essential, nunchi may play a critical role. This review explores how nunchi has been defined, conceptualized, operationalized, and applied in nursing and healthcare literature, and discusses its potential implications in healthcare settings where individuals from diverse backgrounds collaborate.
The review guided by PRISMA-ScR and applied the PCC framework to define eligibility. Twelve databases, both Korean and international, were searched. Data extraction software Covidence was used for initial screening and de-duplication of articles. Article selection was performed through title/abstract and full-text reviews by two reviewers. Any discrepancies in screening were resolved by the third reviewer.
A total of 472 articles were identified through the database search. After removing duplicates and screening initial title/abstract, 18 articles were selected for full-text review. One study was eligible. The included article describes nunchi as a strategy used by Korean nurses to adapt to work environment in the U.S. The 17 excluded articles, while not meeting inclusion criteria, showed that nunchi is positively correlated with communication skills, clinical competence and clinical reasoning, and improved by training.
The findings suggest that nunchi holds meaningful implications for nursing and healthcare work environment. As a relational skill emphasizing awareness of subtle cues and interpersonal balance, nunchi may enhance teamwork, communication, and mutual respect among diverse staff. It could help nurses anticipate colleagues’ and patients’ needs, supporting smoother collaboration and culturally sensitive care. However, if misunderstood, nunchi may perpetuate unequal expectations for silent adaptation among minority nurses.
Understanding the contextual dynamics of relational, communication is essential, as these factors have historically influenced nurses’ satisfaction and retention. Adaptive relational skills like nunchi are useful for promoting workforce well-being, professional adjustment, and a healthy, collaborative workplace culture.
Notes
Presenter notes available in attached slide deck.
Reference list included in attached slide deck.
Sigma Membership
Non-member
Type
Presentation
Format Type
Text-based Document
Study Design/Type
Other
Research Approach
Other
Keywords:
Workforce, Competence, Stress/Coping, Psychological Stress, Coping, Culture, Korea, Nunchi, Read the Room, Interpersonal Cues, Nursing Skills, Interpersonal Relations, Psychological Adaptation
Recommended Citation
Kim, Hannah J.; Chu, Minseung; Kim, Changhwan; Park-Chong, Helen Haebitna; Hayes, Rebekah L.; Melton, Eve; and De Gagne, Jennie, "Scoping Review on Exploring Nunchi in Healthcare Among Korean American and Immigrant" (2026). Creating Healthy Work Environments (CHWE). 57.
https://www.sigmarepository.org/chwe/2026/presentations_2026/57
Conference Name
Creating Healthy Work Environments
Conference Host
Sigma Theta Tau International
Conference Location
Washington, DC, USA
Conference Year
2026
Rights Holder
All rights reserved by the author(s) and/or publisher(s) listed in this item record unless relinquished in whole or part by a rights notation or a Creative Commons License present in this item record. All permission requests should be directed accordingly and not to the Sigma Repository. All submitting authors or publishers have affirmed that when using material in their work where they do not own copyright, they have obtained permission of the copyright holder prior to submission and the rights holder has been acknowledged as necessary.
Review Type
Abstract Review Only: Reviewed by Event Host
Acquisition
Proxy-submission
Date of Issue
2026-04-29
Scoping Review on Exploring Nunchi in Healthcare Among Korean American and Immigrant
Washington, DC, USA
Nunchi is a unique Korean concept often described as the ability to “read the room” by perceiving and responding to subtle interpersonal cues. It reflects a nuanced form of social attunement that involves sensitivity to context, anticipation of others’ needs, and adaptive behaviors to maintain harmony in relationships. In healthcare and nursing, where effective communication, teamwork, and leadership are essential, nunchi may play a critical role. This review explores how nunchi has been defined, conceptualized, operationalized, and applied in nursing and healthcare literature, and discusses its potential implications in healthcare settings where individuals from diverse backgrounds collaborate.
The review guided by PRISMA-ScR and applied the PCC framework to define eligibility. Twelve databases, both Korean and international, were searched. Data extraction software Covidence was used for initial screening and de-duplication of articles. Article selection was performed through title/abstract and full-text reviews by two reviewers. Any discrepancies in screening were resolved by the third reviewer.
A total of 472 articles were identified through the database search. After removing duplicates and screening initial title/abstract, 18 articles were selected for full-text review. One study was eligible. The included article describes nunchi as a strategy used by Korean nurses to adapt to work environment in the U.S. The 17 excluded articles, while not meeting inclusion criteria, showed that nunchi is positively correlated with communication skills, clinical competence and clinical reasoning, and improved by training.
The findings suggest that nunchi holds meaningful implications for nursing and healthcare work environment. As a relational skill emphasizing awareness of subtle cues and interpersonal balance, nunchi may enhance teamwork, communication, and mutual respect among diverse staff. It could help nurses anticipate colleagues’ and patients’ needs, supporting smoother collaboration and culturally sensitive care. However, if misunderstood, nunchi may perpetuate unequal expectations for silent adaptation among minority nurses.
Understanding the contextual dynamics of relational, communication is essential, as these factors have historically influenced nurses’ satisfaction and retention. Adaptive relational skills like nunchi are useful for promoting workforce well-being, professional adjustment, and a healthy, collaborative workplace culture.
Description
Nunchi, the Korean concept of perceiving subtle cues and adapting to maintain harmony, may enhance teamwork, communication, and culturally sensitive care in healthcare. This scoping review found limited studies but suggests nunchi supports professional adjustment and workforce well-being, though misinterpretation may burden minority nurses. Recognizing relational dynamics using nunchi is useful for healthy, collaborative work environments.