Group mentorship programme for graduating nursing students to facilitate their transition: A pilot study

Abstract

Aim: The present study aims to describe and evaluate a group mentorship programme for graduating nursing students following the first pilot testing. Background: A mentoring relationship has been found to be beneficial in easing the challenging transition from nursing student to nurse. However, very few mentoring programmes have been formally developed to pair students with clinical nurses before graduation. Methods: A group mentoring programme for graduating nursing students was developed where clinical nurse mentors met with student mentees twice before graduation and once shortly after graduation to address relevant challenges. Mentees and mentors completed a survey after the last session. Results: Eighteen mentees and 12 mentors completed the survey. Results suggest a high level of satisfaction with the programme from both mentees and mentors, as well as a positive impact on mentees’ transition into the workplace and levels of stress and self-confidence. Conclusions: The pilot testing of the group mentorship programme is believed to have been successful. Implications for Nursing Management: This pilot project highlights the value to nursing leadership of group mentoring partnerships between academic and clinical settings, which can improve the integration of new nurses in the workplace and increase mentors’ awareness of the needs of these nurses.