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Published VersionCC BY V4.0, Open Access
Journal article
A global scoping review to inform the recruitment and retention of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander nursing and midwifery academics
Nurse Education in Practice, Vol.91, pp.1-7
2026
PMID: 41442829
Abstract
Aim
To synthesise global evidence on strategies that support the recruitment and retention of First Nations nursing and midwifery academics.
Background
The representation of First Nations people in nursing and midwifery academia is essential for culturally safe healthcare education and addressing systemic inequities. Despite various initiatives, challenges persist in attracting and retaining First Nations academics in these fields.
Design
A scoping review was conducted using the Arksey and O’Malley framework and reported in line with PRISMA-ScR guidelines.
Methods
A comprehensive search was conducted across six databases (Australian Indigenous Health InfoNet, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, Emcare and PubMed) using terms related to Indigenous identity, academic workforce and nursing/midwifery. Studies were included if they addressed recruitment or retention of First Nations nursing and midwifery academics. The research team collaboratively extracted data to identify patterns and map key themes across the studies.
Results
Four studies met the inclusion criteria, representing Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the U.S.A. Seven key themes emerged: (1) publicly stated commitments to change, (2) curriculum-community-university partnerships, (3) defined academic pathways, (4) inclusive and culturally safe work environments, (5) mentorship and allyship, (6) supportive leadership and (7) institutional policy reform. Australian-specific research was limited despite the global relevance of the issue.
Conclusions
Creating culturally safe, inclusive academic environments is critical to strengthening the First Nations academic workforce. Key strategies include leadership development, mentorship, institutional accountability and systemic reform. Addressing these areas is vital for improving recruitment and retention and advancing health equity outcomes.
Details
- Title
- A global scoping review to inform the recruitment and retention of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander nursing and midwifery academics
- Authors
- Joanne Lee (Corresponding Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health - NursingFiona Bogossian - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of HealthFiona Coyer - Queensland University of TechnologyLinda Deravin - University of Southern QueenslandPauline Calleja - Central Queensland University
- Publication details
- Nurse Education in Practice, Vol.91, pp.1-7
- Publisher
- Elseiver Ltd
- Date published
- 2026
- DOI
- 10.1016/j.nepr.2025.104683
- ISSN
- 1873-5223; 1471-5953
- PMID
- 41442829
- Copyright note
- © 2025 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an open access article under the CC BY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
- Organisation Unit
- School of Health; School of Health - Nursing
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 991192342802621
- Output Type
- Journal article
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