The role and value of self-employed nurses in the allocation of nursing human resources: A scoping review
Nian-Qi Cui, Wei Yang, LU Yu-lin, Jingfen Jin · International Journal of Nursing Sciences · 2025
Objective: This study aimed to conduct a scoping review to determine the role and value of self-employed nurses in the allocation of nursing human resources. Methods: Following the scoping review methodological framework proposed by Arksey and O'Malley, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), WanFang, CINAHL, PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases were searched from inception to February 2025 on self-employed nurses in the nursing field. Thematic content analysis was used to collate, summarize, and narratively report themes and subthemes on nursing data practices. Results: A total of 60 articles were ultimately included. Four themes emerged from the scoping review. Among them, 14 articles focused on the qualification certification and competency requirements of self-employed nurses, 24 articles delved into the roles and responsibilities, 24 articles focused on the value, and the remaining four articles focused on the registration and legalization. Self-employed nurses must have a bachelor's degree in nursing and pass relevant exams, while specialist nurses need even more skills. They offer personalized care through clinics or home visits, providing a flexible and autonomous career path, reducing healthcare costs, and encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration. Conclusions: This study highlights the various roles and values of self-employed nurses. However, self-employed nurses face challenges, including nonuniform regulations, practice risks, a lack of medical insurance policies, shortages in remote areas, and inadequate educational support. Key strategies for enabling effective contributions to the healthcare system include the standardization of entry requirements, the strengthening of certification processes, the enhancement of safety measures, the development of medical insurance policies, the attraction of talent, and the reinforcement of educational frameworks.