Exploring registered nurses’ perspectives as mentors for newly qualified nurses: a qualitative interview study

• Published in: BMJ Open
• Main Authors: Fredrik Norström, Stina Kallerhult Hermansson, Anne Kasén, Yvonne Hilli, Jonas Rennemo Vaag, Karin Bölenius
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: BMJ Publishing Group 2024
• Subjects: Medicine; R; Northern Norway; Northern Sweden
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2023-082940; https://doaj.org/article/22bc9d43749a48988a529f10266bda05

Objective Existing research has focused mostly on mentees’ experiences of mentoring rather than mentors’ experiences. Therefore, this study describes registered nurses’ experiences of being a mentor for newly qualified nurses.Design A qualitative interview study based on semistructured individual interviews. Interviews were analysed using qualitative content analysis.Participants and setting A purposive sample of experienced registered nurses (n=21) from healthcare units in northern Sweden and northern Norway. Inclusion criteria were to have been a mentor to at least one newly qualified nurse, hold permanent employment of 75%–100% as a registered nurse and to be able to communicate in Swedish or Norwegian.Results Our study’s findings suggest that being a mentor plays a crucial role in establishing safety in complex work environments. The main theme consists of three themes: feeling motivated in being a mentor; continuously developing the learning environment; and navigating obstacles and cultivating support.Conclusion Being a mentor is a complicated role for registered nurses. The mentoring role is beneficial—ie, positive and rewarding—if facilitated sufficiently in the context of a structured organisation. This study brings a more profound understanding of and provides new insights into registered nurses’ perspectives and needs regarding being a mentor and the study’s findings make an important contribution to the field of nursing regarding the facilitation of mentoring.