Individual and environmental factors that influence longevity of newcomers to nursing and midwifery: A scoping review protocol

Objective: To identify and map the literature that describes the individual and environmental factors that influence nurses and midwives to stay in or leave their discipline within the first three years of practice. Introduction: The turnover rate of newcomers within their first three years of nursing and midwifery is higher than in later years, and is contributing to a worldwide shortage. Both individual and environmental factors, often in combination, contribute to this attrition. Many studies demonstrate the associations of factors with turnover or intention to stay; however, the scope of factors has not been documented. Inclusion criteria: Newcomers are defined as registered nurses and registered midwives within the first three years of entering their discipline. Quantitative and qualitative studies and systematic reviews that explore individual or environmental factors that influence the decision to leave or to remain in nursing and midwifery in any context will be considered. Factors may include coping, anxiety, mindfulness, practice environment, or combinations such as resilience, satisfaction, and burnout. Articles must have been peer reviewed. Literature since 1974 and published in English will be considered. Newcomers who have completed skills-based training will be excluded. Methods: The JBI method for scoping reviews will be followed. An extensive search of multiple databases and gray literature will be undertaken. Data extracted will be synthesized and results reported using a mind map, tables, and narrative form.