Table 2.

Inclusion and exclusion criteria.

Inclusion criteria	Exclusion criteria
Published quantitative studies, including quantitative data from mixed-methods studies, were included provided that the quantitative aspect of the study was clearly reported	Qualitative studies and grey literature (except theses and dissertations)
Studies containing empirical data (primary or secondary)	Non-empirical articles (including literature reviews [including systematic reviews]), discussion articles, commentaries, short communications, expert opinion articles, and editorials and letters to the editor
Studies examined the intent to stay (or equivalent term such as intention to remain), work environment (modifiable and functional elements of work environment)	Studies examined other concept such as intention to leave, turnover and retention
Written in English language	Written in non-English language
Examined any grade/level of nursing who provided direct patient care including registered nurses (RNs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs), registered practical nurses and licensed vocational nurses (LVNs)	Examined non-nursing populations or nurses who did not provide direct patient care
Published after 1990	Published before 1990