The experience of being a protege in a nursing mentor relationship

This study describes the experience of proteges in a nursing mentor relationship. The nature and essence of mentoring is described from the perspective of the protege using a phenomenological method. Data were collected by use of an in-depth, semi-structured interview. Thirteen proteges (10 nursing faculty and 3 master's in science of nursing students) acted as participants. The findings emphasize the importance and profundity of the mentoring relationship for these proteges. Mentoring is seen as a complex phenomenon that can be conceptualized as having four major content categories: mentoring as a process, mentoring as a relationship, mentor functions, and mentoring outcomes. Major themes under each of these content categories are described. The implications that mentoring has for nursing practice, education, administration, and research are presented.Applied Science, Faculty ofNursing, School ofGraduat