Volume : 6, Issue : 5, May - 2017

The Role of Mentors in Supporting Nursing Students

Dr. Ruba Alharazi

Abstract :

<p>&nbsp;<span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;">Mentors play a key role in enabling the transition of students from a theoretical understanding towards successful, confident application of these principles to live patients (Corlett, Palfreyman, Staines, &amp; Marr</span><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;">, 2003). </span><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;">The aim of this study was to investigate the factors contributing to positive mentorship experiences in nursing in Jeddah by exploring mentors&rsquo; and mentees&rsquo; positive experiences. The qualitative study was conducted from the theoretical perspective of appreciative inquiry (AI). Data were collected in semi-structured focus groups (total of six) with mentees (n=20) and mentors (n=20) at three settings. Findings showed that mentors&rsquo; role, including its characteristics, preparation for it and feedback are important factors contributing to a successful mentor-mentee relationship. It is recommended that national standards regarding nursing mentorship be issued to avoid conflict in roles and expectations, and that mentors attend a mentorship training programme to gain understanding of the process and be prepared for their role.&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:&#10;12.0pt;margin-left:0in;text-align:justify;line-height:200%"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:200%;font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif;&#10;mso-ascii-theme-font:major-bidi;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-bidi;mso-bidi-theme-font:&#10;major-bidi"><o:p></o:p></span></p>