How ready are nursing colleges to be integrated into higher education? A scoping review of influential factors

Background and aim: The integration of college-based nursing education into higher education has gained significant momentum worldwide. However, in countries where integration has not happened some nursing colleges continue to encounter challenges in their readiness for this process. The study aimed to identify and map the breadth of evidence available on the factors that influence the readiness of nursing colleges to transition into higher education.Methods: Databases such as PubMed, CINAHL, Health Source Nursing Academic Edition, SCOPUS, Google scholar, and Educational Resources Information Centre were used. The review focused on literature published only in English from 1996 to 2021. Arksey and O’Malley’s scoping review framework was used.Results: The search identified 1,408 publications; 23 of these met the inclusion criteria and were selected for full-text review. The following themes emerged: regulations and policies, recognition of nursing education, nurse educator roles, and financial considerations.Conclusions: The review’s findings revealed a need for clear policy frameworks to guide higher education integration and regulatory processes for nursing colleges. Becoming part of higher education improves nursing’s academic status, however, integration may give rise to challenges associated with the lack of educator involvement in policy development and integration plans, and unchanged funding arrangements. The repositioning of nursing colleges should take cognisance of lessons from other countries regarding integration readiness to ensure that change happens with minimal disruption and disharmony.