JKAN provides a forum for original research and scholarship on nursing practice, health care delivery, management, workforce issues, policy, and research methods relevant to nursing, midwifery, and other health-related professions worldwide. The journal aims to promote the development and dissemination of knowledge across all areas of nursing and to support evidence-based nursing policy. JKAN welcomes studies that evaluate and explain complex health care interventions and health policies using rigorous designs and methods appropriate to research questions in nursing. The journal covers all areas of nursing science. It also seeks to improve research quality by publishing methodological papers that introduce, refine, or elaborate analytical techniques, measures, and research methods.

JKAN has published original peer-reviewed articles of interest to researchers since 1970, making it the longest-standing repository of nursing scholarship in Korea. The types of publications include reviews, quantitative research, qualitative research, systematic reviews and meta-analyses, and letters to the Editor. Other types of manuscripts are considered for publication following discussion by the editorial board. Other manuscript types may be considered after discussion by the editorial board. The International Organization for Standardization abbreviated title is J Korean Acad Nurs.

The journal is published four times a year: February 28, May 31, August 31, and November 30. JKAN is an open-access journal, and all articles are freely available online for reading, downloading, and sharing immediately upon publication. Articles are published under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License. This license permits copying and redistribution with appropriate attribution but prohibits commercial use and derivative works. The full license is available at https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/deed.en. JKAN endorses the EQUATOR Network (http://www.equator-network.org), an international initiative that aims to improve the reliability and value of health research literature by promoting transparent and accurate reporting. Authors are asked to use appropriate reporting guidelines to ensure high-quality scientific reporting.