The need for hospital-wide solutions to improve patient flow is broadly recognised. Bed management nurses are integral to patient flow processes, and recognition of their strengths and skills is crucial in implementing effective solutions, yet there is limited research describing their role.

This article details a systematic review of the literature on bed management nurses. Six themes were identified: complexity in a context of scarcity; dealing with external pressures and conflicting priorities; need for multiple decision-making strategies; uncertainty; need for training; and unrecognised yet important work. The findings could assist nurse managers and hospital leaders to promote communication, teamwork and coordination between hospital staff and bed management nurses.