AIM: The aim is to explore nurse residency programs described in the literature and evaluate the evidence supporting their use.
BACKGROUND: The Institute of medicine and the Joint Commission recommend that organizations provide nurse residency programs for newly licensed nurses.
METHOD: An integrative review was conducted of empirical and program development articles published from 2006 to july 2013.
RESULTS: Most articles included in this study had limitations, which are discussed.
CONCLUSION: The literature demonstrates benefits associated with NRPs. More evidence is needed to determine if NRPs contribute to nurse-sensitive patient outcomes, thereby influencing quality of nursing care.