Nurses on health care governing boards: An integrative review.
Nurses are key change agents in health care; yet, nurses have not been sufficiently engaged on boards to shape decision making. Without an equal voice in the boardroom, nurses cannot fulfill their professional obligation to society.



The purpose of this study was to understand the progression in research focus and recommendations over time about nurses on boards (NOB), identify research gaps, and make research/practice recommendations.



An integrative review was conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines (2009) for data evaluation and analysis. Eleven studies (six quantitative, three qualitative, and two quasi-mixed methods) were included in the review.



The focus/recommendations of research about NOB have changed from passive observation to action-oriented inquiry that considers nurse expertise and value but lacks a coordinated approach to advance board appointments for nurses.



A systematic approach to the research is needed to advance NOB as key agents in health care transformation and social justice.
School of Nursing, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT. Electronic address: Lisa.sundean@uconn.edu.
Lisa J
LJ
Sundean
School of Nursing, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT.
E Carol
EC
Polifroni
Human Rights Institute, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT.
Kathryn
K
Libal
School of Nursing, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT; Connecticut Children's Medical Center, Hartford, CT.
Jacqueline M
JM
McGrath
D000328:Adult; D003657:Decision Making; D005260:Female; D019513:Feminism; D006075:Governing Board / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D007857:Leadership; D008875:Middle Aged; D024802:Nurse's Role
Board of directors; Feminism; Governance roles; Integrative review; Nurse board leadership; Nurses on boards