New Graduate Nurse Self-Perception of Their Readiness to Practice: An Integrative Systematised Review

Many New Graduate Nurses (NGNs) find the transition to practice stressful.We investigated what is known internationally in relation to NGN self-perceived readiness to practice.We undertook a systematised integrative review of literature published from 2015 to September 2023 in eight electronic databases.Inclusion criteria included articles related to NGNs self-perception of their readiness to practice; English language; full-text; published between 2015 and 2023; and primary research.Inductive thematic analysis was undertaken.Thirteen quantitative and five qualitative studies met the inclusion criteria.Five themes were generated: self-assessed confidence and competence; theoretical and emergent explanations of 'readiness'; preparing for transition and adapting to practice, barriers to and facilitators of transition, and regional variation in undergraduate education and training and conditions on employment.Internationally, NGNs express their self-perceived readiness to practice in reciprocal and refutational discourses.While the challenges associated with transition to practice are well-documented, less clear are the potential causes and optimal solutions.Many NGNs feel under-prepared for practice and over a quarter leave nursing within their first year.In a contemporary healthcare environment burdened by increased complexity and a critical shortage of nurses, we must better understand how to support our junior colleagues and ameliorate attrition rates.Given the jurisdictional differences in nurse education and conditions on employment, international evidence has limited applicability in the local context.In-country research, specifically mixed methods studies, are needed to best inform practice.