LEADERSHIP COMPETENCE AMONG NEWLY GRADUATED NURSES: CURRENT EVIDENCE, CHALLENGES, AND FUTURE DIRECTIONS

Author Name: Prof. Pragati S. Robin, Niveditha K. N, Ms. Disha Jondhale, Dr. Anitha K. C, Dileep Singh Parmar, Monika Sharma

Volume: 04/01

Country: India

DOI NO.: 11.2023-61555522 DOI Link: https://doi-ds.org/doilink/06.2026-27188231/GIJNR

Affiliation:

1. Principal, Patel College of Nursing, Madhyanchal Professional University, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh
2. Professor & HOD- Community Health Nursing Dept, SEA College of Nursing, Bangalore, Karnataka
3. Assistant Professor, Bel Air College of Nursing, Panchgani, Maharashtra
4. Former Principal, Tirumala College of Nursing, Nizamabad
5. Professor, Vice Principal, CNO Rajshree Nursing Institute, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh
6. Assistant Professor, Galgotias School of Nursing, Gautam Buddha Naga, Uttar Pradesh.

ABSTRACT

Background Leadership competence is increasingly recognized as an essential competency for newly graduated nurses entering complex healthcare environments. Beyond clinical competence, novice nurses are expected to demonstrate leadership, communication, decision-making, teamwork, and professional confidence. However, many newly graduated nurses experience challenges during the transition from student to professional practice, which may affect leadership development and workforce preparedness. Aim To map and synthesize the current evidence on leadership competence among newly graduated nurses, identify factors influencing leadership development and professional confidence during the transition-to-practice period, and explore future directions for strengthening leadership competence in nursing education and professional practice. Methods A scoping review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR). Electronic databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Google Scholar were searched for studies published between 2015 and 2026. Studies focusing on leadership competence, professional confidence, self-efficacy, transition-to-practice experiences, mentorship, and leadership development among newly graduated nurses were included. Data were extracted and synthesized using thematic analysis.

Key words: Leadership competence; Newly graduated nurses; Leadership development; Professional confidence; Transition to practice; Workforce preparedness; Scoping review