Storylines, metaphors, and solutions in the work-readiness literature: A frame analysis

To investigate how the literature frames the reported poor work-readiness of new graduate nurses and the solutions it recommends.

Critical frame analysis of work-readiness literature storylines.

Deductive and inductive analysis of work-readiness literature published 2016-2019.

The three systematic reviews, literature review, and analysis of transition guidelines reinforced the belief that nursing graduates should be work-ready. In addition, the articles summarized service and academic innovations intended to assist newly qualified nurses transition to practice.

The literature attributes perceived graduates' poor work-readiness to divergent faculty and employer expectations, personal deficiencies, defective learning environments, and poor workplace support. Internships, mentorship, academic-service partnerships, and curricular and pedagogical innovation are the dominant recommendations for reform. Workplace clinical education and training are not mechanisms for correcting graduates' work performance but essential activities for sustaining the nursing workforce.

The study should encourage more use of frame analysis in nursing education research. Fact-checking storylines must be a priority for future studies. Research that clarifies the fault lines between advocates of work-readiness and dissident academic leaders has the potential to promote dialogue. Work-ready, theory-gap, and other deficit metaphors must be put aside for the debate because universities must not relinquish their responsibility for educating students for the 21st century.