Abstract
Purpose – Although the nursing role appears central in delivering collaborative models of care little is known
about the experience of nurses within implementation of integrated nursing care.

Design/methodology/approach – A scoping review to identify what is known about the experience of nurses
implementing integrated care in the community, incorporating thematic analysis utilising the Rainbow Model.

Findings – Although noting a paucity of evidence, findings indicate implementation of integrated care models
provides both challenges and opportunities to nurses across all systems levels. Thematic analysis highlights a
disproportionate lack of focus on organisational integration of nursing services within integrated care.
Exploration of tacit attributes and network development is suggested to support nursing delivery of services
which challenge traditional organisational and professional boundaries.

Research limitations/implications – Limited research exploring experiences of nursesin implementing integrated
care suggests more rigorous mixed methods or qualitative research is indicated, including case studies exploring
organisational integration, nursing leadership strategies and how tacit attributes support collaborative working.

Originality/value – Using a systems approach, applying the Rainbow Model within scoping review analysis,
enabled exploration ofwhatis known about nursingwithin the contemporary context ofintegrated healthcare services.

Keywords Community nurse, Community care, District nurse, Holistic care, Integrated care, Nursing models
Paper type Literature review