Capstone Project/Nurse Mentoring

Debbie Partrick February 4, 2010

Literature Review Capstone Project/Nurse Mentoring

Butler, M. & Felts, J. (2006). Tool kit for the staff mentor: strategies for improving retention. The Journal of Continuing Education in Nursing, 37, 210-213.

Butler & Felts examined the pivotal position and impact experienced nurses can have on retention. These experienced nurses are referred to as “keystoners” in the article. These keystoners have a toolkit theme with the emphasis on and importance of mentoring. “Mentoring is the process through which a relationship is established between an experienced individual and an individual in need of guidance for the purpose of enhancing professional development.” The result of successful mentoring among these keystoners is workplace satisfaction and higher retention of new graduates.

Domrose, C. (2002). A guiding hand. Nurses Week.

Domrose stressed that mentoring is vital in the nursing profession. She stated that; “It’s from your mentor that you learn the fine tuned ins and outs of working in an organized culture.” A mentor does more than teach skills and facts, true mentors serve as guardians. Good mentors don’t preach, they listen. They don’t advise, they suggest various possibilities. Domrose says most importantly they don’t smother.

Grindel, C. (2004). Mentorship: a key to retention and recruitment. MedSurg Nursing, 28-34.

Grindel discussed the lack of a structured nurse mentorship program leading to failure. She stressed the importance of organizational support for the success of mentorship programs. A true commitment os the part of the organization is required. A designated program director should implement a structured mentorship program for all nursing staff. Grindel defines mentoring as the act of helping another learn. The mentor guides and facilitates the achievement of the nurse’s career development. A preceptor teaches the practice of nursing. The mentor is not and should not be the preceptor according to Grindel’s research.

Grossman, S. (2007). Mentoring in Nursing: A Dynamic and Collaborative Process. Springer Publishing Company, NY. This book presents multiple ideas regarding the process of mentoring and how nurses can do great things for themselves and their profession. The major points revolve around the importance of changing how nurses currently do things and being flexible in working with others. It emphasizes how experienced nurses need to empower themselves to be leaders in order to make a difference. Mentoring is a way to share not only experience but a vast knowledge to new nurses, especially new graduate nurses.

Hurst, S. & Kaplin-Baucum, S. (2003). Role acquisition, socialization and retention: unique aspects of a mentoring program. Journal of Nursing Staff Development, 19, 176- 180.

A Medical Center in Arizona focused its efforts on retaining RN’s by promoting nursing preceptor and mentoring programs. The article walked you through the concept of mentoring through program development. They addressed mentor selection, mentor class, mentor incentives and the evaluation process. The authors stressed the importance of having the program well developed before instituting.

Wagner, A. & Seymour, M. (2007). A model of caring mentorship for nursing. Journal for Nurses in Staff Development, 23, 201-211.

Wagner and Seymour equated the roles of mentoring, precepting, supervising, facilitating and teaching. They felt mentoring is a broader role that encompasses formal or informal supporting, guiding, coaching, teaching, role modeling, counseling, advocating, networking and sharing. Mentoring can occur within or outside the clinical setting and includes personal and career guidance. The mentoring process is viewed as a longitudinal relationship that develops through at least four stages over time, ranging from months to many years.

Yonge, O., Billay, D., Myrick, F. & Luhanga, F. (2007). Preceptorship and mentorship: not merely a matter of semantics. International Journal of Nursing Education Scholarship, 4, 1-13.

These authors contend that the correct usage of preceptorship and mentorship is very important in the evolution of these two concepts in the education of nurses. These two concepts need to be clarified and the article addressed how this clarity is lacking and how extremely important role clarity is in the health profession. It was noted that preceptorship is a short-term relationship that focuses on teaching, communicating and sharing while mentorship is a long-term relationship that is supportive, and involves friendship and trust.