The concept of mentoring in nursing : a study of nurse leaders

The benefits of mentoring as an effective way of being guided and advanced have been recognized and cultivated in business and other male dominated fields for decades. The purpose of this study was to analyze the concept of mentoring as it applies to nurse leaders to determine what mentoring characteristics are ranked highest among nurse leaders and to determine if nurse leaders that have been mentored are more likely to mentor. The theoretical framework for this study was the developmental theory of Erik. H. Erikson.A convenience sample of 303 Sigma Theta Tau Chapter Presidents were surveyed. The Darling Measuring Mentoring Potential Scale (MMP), a demographic sheet, and a cover letter were mailed. The MMP consists of sub-scales of 14 characteristics of mentors. The sample consisted of 196 (65%) respondents. The procedures for the protection of human subjects were followed. A comparative descriptive research design was utilized. Descriptive statistics (means, frequencies) and paired t-tests were used to analyze the data.Findings revealed 167 (85%) had been mentored and 29 (14.8%) had not. The large majority (162 or 97%) had been mentored by another nurse and 133 (79.6%) had experienced multiple mentors. Of the 14 characteristics of the MMP, Model was rated highest (95%.2) while Envisioner, Investor, Supporter and Idea-Bouncer were rated between 82.6% and 88.9%. Further findings revealed 157 (94%) of the respondents believed they are more likely to become mentors due to having been mentored. Paired t-tests examining the difference in means between perceptions of characteristics of mentor and perceptions of self as a mentor revealed a significant difference (p<.05) for Supporter and Challenger. A significant difference (p<.01) was found for Model, Investor and Teacher-Coach.Conclusions indicated the majority of Sigma Theta Tau leaders have been mentored and that the overwhelming majority found the experience positive. Mentoring plays a key role in leadership development and career satisfaction. Mentor characteristics need to be formally addressed in basic nursing education, hospital staff development programs, and management training programs. The body of knowledge regarding the process of mentoring for all nurses needs to be expanded.School of NursingThesis (M.S.