Perceptions of an Intensive Care Unit Mentorship Program

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Eric S. Wolak (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/
Advisor
Susan Letvak

Abstract: Critical care nursing necessitates specialized knowledge and skill acquisition. Because of this, intensive care units have historically hired competent acute care nurses. Due to the current nursing shortage, critical care units are now hiring new graduate nurses. In light of this trend, one way to provide effective teaching to the tasks and critical thinking involved with ICU nursing is by assigning new graduate nurses a mentor. The purpose of this study was to examine the experiences of mentees and mentors in a structured mentorship program. These perceptions were gleaned through a qualitative study using focus group methodology and a convenience sample of five mentees and six mentors. Results of this study revealed the following shared perceptions from the mentees and mentors: (1) availability, (2) sense of community, and (3) support and knowledge. Furthermore, this study supports mentorship programs as a means of professional development, education, and overall organizational commitment.

Additional Information

Publication
Thesis
Language: English
Date: 2007
Keywords
Intensive care nursing Study and teaching , Mentoring in nursing , Nursing Study and teaching Preceptorship, Nurses Supervision of

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