Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to analyze research trends related to core nursing skills in Korean nursing education through text network analysis. A total of 82 academic papers published between 2012 and 2024 were collected from major Korean academic databases and analyzed to identify the primary research themes, knowledge structures, and temporal changes in research topics. Research design, data and methodology: The study applied a text network analysis method that included data preprocessing, frequency and topic modeling analyses, and network visualization. Results: The abstract should be unstructured, that is, one paragraph. The analysis revealed that research on core nursing skills has evolved from an emphasis on basic procedural education and clinical practice to an integration of simulation-based learning, digital technology, and self-directed learning. Keywords such as “nursing students,” “core nursing skills,” “confidence,” and “clinical competence” were found to be central within the network, indicating a close relationship between nursing education and competency enhancement. The findings suggest that core nursing skills education has transitioned toward multidimensional approaches that incorporate digital learning environments and learner-centered pedagogies. Conclusions: This study provides empirical insights into the structural relationships among research topics and offers a foundation for developing future educational strategies and policy directions to strengthen nursing competence in an evolving healthcare environment.