1. Exploring the experiences of neophyte nurse mentors: A qualitative study
- Author
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Ritin Fernandez, Wendy Smith, Jodie Bancroft, Sharon Curtis, and Suzanne Sheppard-Law
- Subjects
Male ,Interprofessional Relations ,Exploratory research ,Peer Group ,Education ,03 medical and health sciences ,0302 clinical medicine ,Adequate preparation ,Nursing ,Professional relationship ,Humans ,Medicine ,030212 general & internal medicine ,Qualitative Research ,General Nursing ,ComputingMilieux_THECOMPUTINGPROFESSION ,030504 nursing ,business.industry ,Mentors ,Mentoring ,General Medicine ,Focus Groups ,Focus group ,ComputingMilieux_GENERAL ,Female ,Thematic analysis ,0305 other medical science ,business ,Qualitative research - Abstract
Mentoring has become an increasingly popular supportive method for empowering nurses and assisting them to progress in their careers. Evidence from the literature demonstrates that not all experienced and highly qualified nurses are effective mentors. The aim of this study was to explore and describe the experiences of neophyte nurse mentors following their first formal mentoring relationship using a qualitative exploratory design. Data were collected using dual moderated focus group methods. The focus group was digitally recorded and transcribed verbatim. Interviews were analysed using thematic analysis. Six neophyte nurse mentors participated in the focus group. The themes identified included (1) Readiness for mentoring, (2) Venturing into the unknown, (3) Having the right fit (4) Frustrations of mentoring (5) Reciprocal professional relationship. The findings highlight how neophyte nurse mentors perceive mentoring and the importance of providing them with adequate preparation and support in order to efficiently transfer valuable knowledge and skills to their mentees.
- Published
- 2018