Factors influencing Māori student nurse retention and success: An integrative literature review

BACKGROUND: Improving indigenous health outcomes requires a strong indigenous nurse presence. Increasing the retention and success of nursing students during their education supports the critical mass needed to implement change in the health workforce to better address indigenous population health needs. OBJECTIVES: To explore the factors affecting retention and success of Māori undergraduate nursing students in New Zealand. DESIGN: A Kaupapa Māori research framework was utilised within an integrative review design. DATA SOURCES: CINAHL Plus, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases were searched using the keywords Māori, indigenous, nursing, health, education, retention and success. REVIEW METHODS: An iterative process was used to integrate and synthesize the literature. Thematic analysis was carried out to establish key concepts present in the literature and to establish gaps. RESULTS: Māori student identity, institutional support factors and programme factors play a role in Māori student success and retention. Both the university environment and whānau (family) support contribute to a strong sense of identity. The institution's ability to facilitate peer mentoring, provide safe spaces for study and specialised support services also play a role. Finally, programme factors such as faculty culture, teaching practices and curriculum content affect the student's experience and desire to remain in nursing. CONCLUSIONS: Improving student retention and success requires an environment which is welcoming and respectful of indigenous values and strengths. Strategies which encourage students to be self-empowered in their learning, ensure equity of opportunity, facilitate working together and enable the development of good relationships will meet the needs of all students, not just Māori.