Background: Healthcare organizations continuously experience organizational changes driven by technological advancements, policy reforms, workforce challenges, and increasing demands for high-quality patient care. The success of change management is influenced by multiple organizational and individual factors, making it essential to synthesize current evidence to support effective nursing management practices.
Aims: This systematic literature review aimed to identify and synthesize the factors influencing the success of change management in nursing organizations and to provide evidence-based recommendations for nursing leaders and healthcare administrators.
Methods: A Systematic Literature Review (SLR) was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 guidelines. Literature was searched through the PubMed database using predefined keywords related to change management and nursing. Articles published between 2021 and 2026 were screened according to predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Five eligible studies were included and critically appraised using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Checklist. Data were synthesized using a narrative thematic approach.
Results: The review identified five major factors influencing successful change management: leadership, organizational resilience, communication, organizational support and culture, and education with employee engagement. These factors collectively enhanced organizational readiness, reduced resistance to change, strengthened staff participation, and improved the sustainability of organizational transformation within healthcare settings.
Conclusion: Successful change management in nursing organizations requires an integrated approach that combines effective leadership, resilient organizational systems, supportive organizational culture, transparent communication, and continuous professional development. These findings provide evidence-based guidance for nurse managers in planning and implementing sustainable organizational change initiatives.