Open AccessFeasibility for the implementation of the MENtorship Program
Author(s) -
Kevin J. Milligan,
Gordon Gillespie
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
journal of nursing education and practice
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1925-4059
pISSN - 1925-4040
DOI - 10.5430/jnep.v7n11p84
Subject(s) - mentorship , thematic analysis , nursing , workforce , focus group , qualitative property , qualitative research , medical education , medicine , psychology , computer science , sociology , social science , machine learning , economics , economic growth , anthropology
Objective: Men comprise only 9% of the U.S. nursing workforce and 15% of baccalaureate nursing students. The odds of male nursing students completing nursing school are significantly lower than that of female nursing students. Mentoring programs designed to improve male nursing student retention are needed. This study was conducted to evaluate the feasibility of a novel “MENtorship” Program for men in nursing school.Methods: This study used a sequential QUAN-qual explanatory mixed methods design in two phases: (1) quantitative web-based surveys were sent to all participants (n = 19) to assess mentor/mentee relationships; and (2) qualitative interviews were conducted to explain the survey results. Data were analyzed thematically, and data source triangulation was done by comparing the qualitative findings to the quantitative findings.Results: Findings included high perceived commitment from mentors and mentees. Participants described multiple program benefits and recommended program improvements. One key recommendation is to provide a thematic focus to each mentor/mentee meeting (i.e. professionalism, ethics, nursing specialties).Conclusions: The MENtorship Program pilot was deemed feasible for future implementation.