Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 6, 2026
Using Learning Outcome Measures to assess Doctoral Nursing Education
Published on: June 21, 2010
Strategies to support first-year nursing students' transition to higher education: An integrative review
1School of Health, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Queensland, 4556, Australia.
Background:
The first year of university represents a critical transition period for undergraduate nursing students as they adapt to the academic, social, and professional expectations of higher education. Difficulties navigating these demands can undermine engagement, confidence, and sense of belonging, contributing to early withdrawal from nursing programs. Targeted support strategies that address the multidimensional nature of transition are therefore essential.
Aim:
To identify and synthesise current evidence on strategies that support first-year undergraduate nursing students in their transition to higher education.
Design:
Integrative review.
Data Sources:
Four databases, CINAHL, SCOPUS, PubMed and Web of Science, were searched in April 2025 and included studies from 2015 to 2025.
Review Methods:
The review followed PRISMA guidelines. Study quality was assessed using the Mixed-Methods Appraisal Tool. Narrative synthesis informed by thematic analysis was undertaken to integrate findings from the included studies.
Results:
A total of 175 studies were identified, with 25 studies included in the final review. Analysis revealed five overarching themes reflecting when and how transition support is most effectively provided: 'Pre-Commencement Interventions' and 'First Clinical Placement' as key transition points, and 'Faculty-Led Interventions', 'Peer Mentoring and Tutoring', and 'Self-Regulation and Coping Strategies' as primary modes of support. Together, these strategies addressed academic preparedness, social integration, professional identity development, and emotional wellbeing during the transition to university.
Conclusions:
Effective support for first-year nursing students requires coordinated, multifaceted strategies that respond to the complex and evolving nature of transition to higher education. Peer mentoring and tutoring emerged as particularly effective and sustainable approaches for enhancing engagement and confidence. Future research should examine the cost-effectiveness of transition support strategies and incorporate the perspectives of students from equity groups to inform inclusive, evidence-based approaches that promote successful transition and retention.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Current Trends in Nursing I
01:15Nursing Implementation
The five steps to implementing effective nursing care include reassessing the patient, reviewing and revising the existing nursing care plan, organizing the resources and care delivery, anticipating and preventing complications, and implementing nursing interventions.
01:24Nursing Process for Patient and Caregiver Teaching II: Planning and Implementation
01:21Planning Nursing Care I
01:27Fundamentals of Nursing Process I
01:30National Nursing Organizations II
The AACN emphasizes a healthy work environment through six standards to achieve an optimal patient outcome. The standards are appropriate staffing, meaningful recognition, collaboration, authentic leadership, effective communication, and decision-making. In addition, AACN provides certification programs, webinars, journals, and...