title: Registered nurses' perceptions of new nursing graduates' clinical competence: A systematic integrative review.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Federation University, Faculty of Health, School of Nursing, Midwifery and Healthcare, Gippsland Campus, Northways Road, Churchill, Vic, 3842, Australia.
authors.forename: Karen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Missen
authors.affiliation: Monash University, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Clayton Campus, Wellington Road, Clayton, Vic, 3168, Australia.
authors.forename: Lisa
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: McKenna
authors.affiliation: Deakin Population Health SRC, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Melbourne Burwood Campus, 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood, Vic, 3125, Australia.
authors.forename: Alison
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Beauchamp
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002983:Clinical Competence / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans; D009726:Nurses / Q000523:psychology*; D010465:Perception; D013997:Time Factors
keywords: competence; experienced nurse; new nursing graduates; systematic review; work-readiness