Competency and clinical mentoring: Perceptions of newly graduated and experienced professional nurses in Lesotho

Abstract

Clinical mentoring has been the norm to coach new nursing professionals to achieve professional competency. Structured mentoring programmes are effective. However, there is a need for research to understand newly graduated professional nurses’ initial workplace transition. PurposeTo explore and describe the perceptions of newly graduated professional nurses and experienced professional nurses regarding clinical mentorship and competency. Design and methodA qualitative descriptive research design was used. The research population included newly graduated professional nurses and experienced professional nurses working together in two regional hospitals in Lesotho, where most government health projects are piloted. Purposive sampling and semi-structured interviews were used for both groups. Data was analysed through content analysis by categorising data and formulating themes. FindingsTwo categories emerged. Firstly, the perceptions of newly graduated professional nurses describe their experience as newly graduated professional nurses, with four themes, namely a delay in getting employed post-graduating, the need for orientation, taking on a high level of responsibility and the fact that competency levels are influenced by various factors. Secondly, findings from both newly graduated and experienced participants could be divided into three themes with sub-themes, namely: standardisation of nursing competency; safe and cost-effective nursing care; and emphasis on persona and self-efficacy. ConclusionThere is a considerable gap in supporting newly graduated nurses to gain confidence. It is recommended to nurse leaders to plan, restructure, and implement structured clinical mentorship.