The experiences of the agency registered nurse: An integrative literature review

AIM

To examine experienced registered nurses' motivations for choosing agency work, their experiences and perceptions of agency nursing and how they meet their regulatory professional development obligations.

BACKGROUND

Agency registered nurses are employed by healthcare organizations to meet staffing shortfalls and contain costs.

METHODS

Using an integrative review framework, four databases (CINAHL, Medline, Embase and Scopus) were systematically searched between 2000 and 2017: study selection followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-analyses.

RESULTS

Our search identified 491 sources. From these, two primary qualitative sources were included in this review. Four themes were identified: orientation, allocation of the agency nurse, isolation in clinical practice and lack of education opportunities.

CONCLUSION

Given the limited literature on agency nurses and how to support them, further research is required on this subject.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT

Support for agency nurses is necessary, so they can seamlessly integrate with the healthcare team to provide safe patient care. This review may assist managers to identify strategies to effectively engage and support agency registered nurses in the acute care nursing team. The gaps identified highlight the need for further research to explore agency nurses' motivations, and support needs to inform future strategic workforce planning.

Registered nurses' perceptions of new nursing graduates' clinical competence: A systematic integrative review

Over the past decade, many questions have been raised about graduates' clinical competence and fitness for practice upon completion of their undergraduate education. Despite the significance of this issue, the perspectives of registered nurses have rarely been examined. This systematic review explores the perceptions of experienced registered nurses regarding the clinical competence of new nursing graduates. Original research studies published between 2004-2014 were identified using electronic databases, reference lists, and by searching "grey literature." Papers were critically reviewed and relevant data extracted and synthesized using an approach based on Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis. From 153 studies initially identified, 15 original research papers were included. Four main research themes were identified: clinical/technical skills, critical thinking, interaction/communication, and overall readiness for practice. Areas of concern in relation to the clinical competence of new nursing graduates specifically related to two themes: critical thinking and clinical/technical skills. Further research is required on strategies identified within the literature with the ultimate aim of ensuring new nursing graduates are safe and competent practitioners.