Generational diversity in nursing practice environments - scoping review

Generational diversity in nursing has introduced new challenges, for nurse managers and practice environments, in addressing both the nurses' and clients' needs and organizations' social and health policies. The organizational climate encourages professionals to preserve positive practice environments, which promotes a healthy coexistence between generations, respecting their distinctive characteristics and values, with the essential purpose of ensuring the team's effectiveness and the organization's success.

To map the available scientific evidence on the generational diversity of nurses in professional practice environments.

Scoping review, according to the Joanna Briggs Institute proposed methodology. The search used the PCC (Population, Concept and Context) framework to locate both published and unpublished studies, with no time or language limitations.

Thirty-two studies analysed different aspects from a generational diversity perspective, such as job satisfaction, organizational commitment, engagement, stress and burnout, work-related values and attitudes, turnover and retention. Although the findings differ, it's undeniable that each generation has a unique and valuable role, and it's essential to promote an effective balance between generations to build a diverse workforce capable of adapting to different challenges in professional contexts.

Organizations should acknowledge the importance of creating inclusive professional practice environments, where both current and future generations can contribute to providing quality care. This requires integrating strategies adapted to generational diversity and adopting a more flexible leadership style. Organizations should foster the challenges of an increasingly diverse society and reflect the generational diversity of nurses, providing truly inclusive and equitable care.