Factors Associated With Newly Graduated Nurses' Work Engagement: Systematic Review of Quantitative Studies

Abstract

AimTo describe the factors associated with work engagement in newly graduated nurses.DesignSystematic review of original quantitative studies according to Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines.MethodsThe systematic review utilised PEO inclusion criteria. Original peer‐reviewed quantitative studies were identified. Two researchers independently conducted a screening of study eligibility based on title, abstract, and full text. The JBI critical appraisal tool for analytical cross‐sectional studies was employed to perform a rigorous methodological quality assessment. The data was extracted, tabulated, and then analysed narratively.Data SourcesThe literature search was conducted in November 2023 by screening four databases: Scopus, CINAHL (Ebsco), ProQuest, and Ovid Medline.ResultsThe review included 19 articles, presenting an overview of factors associated with newly graduated nurses' work engagement. Factors were classified into seven categories explaining supportive workplace, transition and orientation to workplace, competence and career development in nursing practice, personal and psychological characteristics, work environment characteristics, stress and challenges in a work environment, and satisfaction with work.ConclusionsTo support newly graduated nurses' work engagement, nurse leaders should provide a supportive working environment and focus on new nurses' effective support systems in the workplace. Their abilities to develop and educate themselves need to be prioritised to enhance their knowledge and skills in nursing. Additionally, organisations should have policies and procedures to ensure quality orientation, and units need to implement transition and mentorship programmes.Implications for the Profession and/or Patient CareThis research could be valuable to health care when wanting to develop and improve work engagement, especially among newly graduated nurses. The economic significance of nurses' work engagement is evident, as the cost of nurse turnover is considerable. Reducing nurse turnover and improving retention relies on understanding the factors influencing nurses' decisions to leave the organisation and the profession.ImpactWhat problem did the study address? The global shortage of nurses, worsened by newly qualified nurses leaving the health sector, necessitates understanding factors influencing their work engagement; The factors associated with newly graduated nurses' work engagement were supportive work environment, transition and orientation to work, success and career development in nursing, personal and psychological characteristics, characteristics of the work environment, stress and challenges in the work environment, and job satisfaction. Where and on whom will the research have an impact? The results can be used by health care organisations to plan the preceptorship/mentoring programmes of new nurses. Identifying and understanding the factors associated with the retention of newly qualified nurses can help to attract and retain nurses and to promote the adaptation and integration of new nurses into healthcare organisations.Reporting MethodThe YNEPR author checklist has been completed and implemented during this systematic review process. Also, the Prisma 2020 checklist has been used.Patient or Public ContributionNo patient or public contribution: systematic review.Trial RegistrationPROSPERO number: CRD42023408705 (https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/)