The contribution of paid employment for students during their pre-registration nursing studies: An integrative review

Objective: This integrative review of the literature explores potential associations between paid employment during students' pre-registration study period and development of workplace capabilities. The capacity to demonstrate attainment of standards of practice upon registration as a nurse is essential for the delivery of safe, quality care. The increasing shift, internationally, to higher education, concerns have been raised about limited time in practice settings and consequently nurses' capability upon employment. Extensive research has been conducted into student clinical placement models and graduates transition programs, but employment during students' pre-registration study has received little consideration. Design: An integrative approach of peer reviewed articles. Data sources: A systematic search of the literature published between 1996 and 2021 across five electronic data bases; including Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Scopus, Medline, American Psychological Association and Education Resource Information Centre was conducted. Review methods: Data was analysed according to the Whittemore and Knafl (2005) framework to maintain a methodical and meticulous approach. Results: Fourteen studies differentiated graduates employed during their studies. Employment contributed to developing capabilities across four domains, namely, personal growth and development, comprehensive nursing practice, organisational capability and professional values and behaviours upon employment. Conclusion: Employment during pre-registration studies is associated with developing workplace capabilities. Opportunities to develop the capability of graduates should focus on the possibility of ‘learning’ during employment rather than merely a recruitment strategy.