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Perceptions of a statewide nurse mentorship programme: A qualitative study
Author(s) -
Wurmser Teri,
Kowalski Mildred Ortu
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
journal of nursing management
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.925
H-Index - 76
eISSN - 1365-2834
pISSN - 0966-0429
DOI - 10.1111/jonm.13104
Subject(s) - mentorship , focus group , qualitative research , nursing , medical education , psychology , medicine , sociology , social science , anthropology
Purpose To describe participants' perception of a formal statewide mentorship programme after changes had been made for programme improvement. Methods A qualitative descriptive design using focus group interviews was used to explore the experience of two cohorts of mentors and mentees, who participated in a structured, formalized nurse leader mentorship programme. Data analysis The investigators individually reviewed and analysed the transcripts and reached consensus on common themes using the constant comparison method of analysis. Findings Themes identified for the mentor focus group include the following: Giving Back; Rewarding and Energizing; Concrete Guidance; Not Always a Good Fit; Goal Setting; and Nourishing the Mentee. Mentee themes include the following: Lifeline for the Mentee; Moving from Reluctance to Reliance; Instilled Courage; and Gaining Confidence. A joint theme, Connected for Life, was also identified. Conclusion The experience of mentors and mentees who participated in the statewide Mentorship Program was very positive as the participants stated that the program was effective in meeting its goals. Both mentees and mentors in this study found practical and emotional benefit through their participation in this formal Mentorship Program. Implications for Nurse Management Statewide mentorship programmes can be effective mechanisms to support leaders or prospective leaders in their roles in an often chaotic and challenging health care environment.