A university/healthcare institution mentorship programme: Improving transition to practice for students.

Abstract

This study describes the impact of a university-based mentorship programme that is designed to prepare nursing students for the transition to practice during their last year of classes. Research shows that mentorship is an effective strategy for facilitating the transition to clinical practice. However, there is a lack of programmes that provide mentorship prior to the students' graduation from nursing school. A mixed qualitative and quantitative approach was chosen to describe nursing students' perceptions. Mentees and mentors were invited to complete a survey or participate in an interview (September-November 2018). Nine participants were interviewed and 22 completed the survey. Four themes were found. Students were as follows: Feeling unsure and looking for answers from clinicians and wanted to Learn about practical real-life situations. Their experiences allowed them to Normalize the entry to practice and become more prepared and capable to address pragmatic issues. By bridging the academic and clinical environments, this mentorship programme helped mentees address their concerns and facilitated an easier transition to the workplace after graduation. Nurse managers can advocate for mentorship programmes by partnering with educational institutions. This support can also be continued as new graduates transition into their careers.