Exploring the workplace mentorship needs of new-graduate physiotherapists: a qualitative study

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background Mentorship plays an important role in an individuals’ transition into the workforce, yet little is known of new-graduates experiences of workplace mentorship. The aim of this study was to explore new-graduate physiotherapists’ experiences of mentorship during their transition into professional practice in Australia. Background Mentorship plays an important role in an individuals’ transition into the workforce, yet little is known of new-graduates experiences of workplace mentorship. The aim of this study was to explore new-graduate physiotherapists’ experiences of mentorship during their transition into professional practice in Australia. Method A qualitative study with an interpretive phenomenological analytical approach was used. Semi-structured interviews of fifteen employed new-graduate physical therapists were undertaken within their first three to six months of clinical practice. Results Four key themes emerged from the data: 1) Advantages of individualized mentorship; 2) Supporting the needs of professional development through mentorship; 3) Mentorship is valued by new-graduate employees; and 4) Mentorship moderates perceptions of stress and anxiety. Conclusions New-graduate physiotherapists perceive workplace mentorship as a critical factor during the transition from student to clinician, which extends to the broader workplace. New-graduates place a strong value on individualized mentorship to support their professional development, which can influence self-perceived stress and anxiety and their perception of the workplace.