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Purpose: Despite the effort to bridge the disconnect between educational preparation of competent nurses and employers' expectation of new graduates, there is little known about what nursing competencies are required for new graduates. This paper aims to identify the nursing competencies expected of new graduates, both globally and in the specific Korean context. Methods: An integrative literature review was undertaken. International and Korean computerised databases were searched and 72 relevant papers were appraised using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool and the Data Relevance. Twenty-eight studies were selected for final data analysis. Results: Three themes with eleven competency areas were discovered: new graduates are expected to be competent in delivering an evidence-based practice with a patient-centered approach as professional nurses. Competency in evidence-based practice involves being able to integrate theory and skills, utilise contemporary evidence, and undertake a systematic approach. Patient-centred care involves ensuring patient safety, educating the patient and their family, and demonstrating sound interpersonal communication skills with a collaborative approach. New graduates are also expected to practice legal and ethical nursing care, undertake continuing professional development, and demonstrate a capacity for clinical management and appropriate professional attributes. Conclusion: Identifying nursing competencies for new graduates can add a level of detail to the current nursing competencies required for new graduates in the global and the Korean context. The findings can be used not only to inform education providers of potential gaps in preparation for practice of new graduates, but also be used to identify support needed when graduates enter nursing workforce.

Additional file 1. Finalised Placement Evaluation Tool (PET).