Date of Completion
Spring 4-28-2022
Project Type
Research Project
Degree Name
Master of Science in Nursing - Nursing Administration and Health Policy
Department
Nursing
Committee Chair/First Advisor
Dr. Jane D. Brannan
Abstract
The nursing shortage coupled with a high demand for healthcare services necessitates retention of the current workforce comprised of a majority of millennial generation nurses. This generational cohort has previously demonstrated a lower job commitment and job satisfaction as compared to prior generations as well as individual work preferences. The purpose of this integrative review was to evaluate and synthesize previous studies that capture the millennial novice nurse’s experience in the hospital setting and to answer the question, “What are the initial transition experiences of millennial generation novice nurses in the hospital setting?” An integrative review design was used to present the current state of peer reviewed quantitative and qualitative literature between the dates of 2011 and 2021. Eligibility criteria included graduates of associate and bachelor’s degree programs who were in their first two years of practice within a hospital setting. The review resulted in five primary themes surrounding this generational cohort’s hospital transition experience: stress and uncertainty, coping, positive and negative professional relationships, developmental support, and ability to provide care. The literature analysis revealed that stress is a profound part of the experience and that a successful transition may be possible with effective coping mechanisms, supportive professional relationships, and targeted professional development. The review findings provide nurses, educators, and leaders a better understanding of the transition experience as they seek to support and retain the millennial novice nurse within hospitals.