A Local Assessment of Nurse Practitioners’ Viewpoints on Mentorship Programs
Disciplines
Family Practice Nursing | Other Nursing
Abstract (300 words maximum)
Nurse practitioners (NP) begin their career with minimal formal on the job training following graduation. Research shows that mentorship of novice NPs by more experienced NPs has a positive correlation in improving transition to practice (TTP) issues, such as burnout and job dissatisfaction. Mentorships are crucial for NPs as they provide valuable support and assistance in applying academic knowledge to the healthcare workforce. Despite these benefits, there are few formal accessible options locally. A literature review was conducted to recognize prior attempts and gaps in research for NP mentorships. A 13-question survey was developed to further determine the interest and perceived benefit of mentorship on novice NPs. Kennesaw State University Institutional Review Board determined the survey exempt due to minimal risk. Using an anonymous link or QR code, this survey was distributed to 175 active members of a local advanced practice nursing organization (CANAP), along with a consent letter to describe the purpose of the research. Data was collected and analyzed to view trends on the current availability of NP mentorships and their perceived benefits. In total, 54 participants completed the survey which equals a 31% response rate. Most respondents believe that mentorship programs are beneficial for TTP issues (85%, 46/54). Also, most survey participants (85%) would either be willing to mentor in the future or are considering it (yes: 41%, 22/54; considering 44%, 24/54; no 15%, 8/54). The survey data shows that most NPs from a local organization agree mentorship programs are beneficial for novice NPs and are also willing to participate in them as mentors. The results of this survey suggest that local organizations would be an ideal setting for NP mentorship programs, which will reduce transition to clinical practice issues.
Academic department under which the project should be listed
WCHHS - Nursing
Primary Investigator (PI) Name
Roxanne Bennett
A Local Assessment of Nurse Practitioners’ Viewpoints on Mentorship Programs
Nurse practitioners (NP) begin their career with minimal formal on the job training following graduation. Research shows that mentorship of novice NPs by more experienced NPs has a positive correlation in improving transition to practice (TTP) issues, such as burnout and job dissatisfaction. Mentorships are crucial for NPs as they provide valuable support and assistance in applying academic knowledge to the healthcare workforce. Despite these benefits, there are few formal accessible options locally. A literature review was conducted to recognize prior attempts and gaps in research for NP mentorships. A 13-question survey was developed to further determine the interest and perceived benefit of mentorship on novice NPs. Kennesaw State University Institutional Review Board determined the survey exempt due to minimal risk. Using an anonymous link or QR code, this survey was distributed to 175 active members of a local advanced practice nursing organization (CANAP), along with a consent letter to describe the purpose of the research. Data was collected and analyzed to view trends on the current availability of NP mentorships and their perceived benefits. In total, 54 participants completed the survey which equals a 31% response rate. Most respondents believe that mentorship programs are beneficial for TTP issues (85%, 46/54). Also, most survey participants (85%) would either be willing to mentor in the future or are considering it (yes: 41%, 22/54; considering 44%, 24/54; no 15%, 8/54). The survey data shows that most NPs from a local organization agree mentorship programs are beneficial for novice NPs and are also willing to participate in them as mentors. The results of this survey suggest that local organizations would be an ideal setting for NP mentorship programs, which will reduce transition to clinical practice issues.