Evaluating approaches to enhance transition and retention in newly qualified nurses: An updated rapid evidence...

To update the rapid evidence assessment by Wray et al. (2021), identify specific approaches used to enhance newly qualified nurses' (NQNs) transition and retention, and evaluate the strength of evidence.

Nursing shortages threaten care quality, making the recruitment and retention of newly qualified nurses (NQNs) essential. Recruitment and retention of NQNs is crucial, as their successful transition, helps address staff shortages. Wray et al. (2021) highlighted this connection, and the present study builds on their work by providing updated insights.

Rapid Evidence Assessment, a structured and time-efficient method for reviewing literature using systematic and transparent procedures.

A Rapid Evidence Assessment was conducted until February 2024 using CINAHL, Academic search premier, Open Grey, ERIC, Web of Science and PubMed searching for articles using keywords related to nursing transition and retention. For this review, NQHs were nurses with a maximum of 12 months of work experience. Different quality appraisal tools were used according to the type of study.

Our findings supported those of Wray et al. (2021) and provided additional evidence that a supportive work environment, one-to-one mentoring, supportive programmes, a well-structured final clinical practicum, and positive team experiences are key to enhancing the transition and retention of NQNs. Overall, quality appraisal of studies included in our review was medium-high.

Given the global relevance of the topic, more higher quality studies will be needed to investigate the transition experience of NQNs' and explore the long-term effects of the programmes implemented to enhance both transition and retention.