Implementation of a Peer Mentorship Process within a Nurse Fellowship Program (Critical Care)

Author Biographical Info

Laura Douglas, MSN-Ed, RN, NPD-BC, CCRN

Date of Doctor of Nursing Practice Project Completion

Spring 2-2024

Faculty Advisor

Dr. Susan Stafford

Abstract

PURPOSE

The purpose of this project was to translate peer mentorship best practices, and incorporate processes needed to support clinical nurses transferring into the critical care specialty fellowship program. The project aimed to increase job satisfaction among nurses in a fellowship program through peer mentorship.

BACKGROUND

The project was implemented within the Fall 2023 cohort of the Nurse Fellowship Program. The program is hosted in a large healthcare organization in Houston, TX among several hospital sites.

METHODOLOGY

Recruitment of mentors for the Registered Nurse Fellows occurred to participate in the mentorship program with mentees. Training and informational sessions were then hosted for mentors to introduce the program and its requirements. Mentors and mentees were paired and completed in person and virtual sessions throughout the course of the five-month program. A PDSA cycle occurred after initial mentorship training and the first meeting with mentee, to determine the effectiveness of the training and mentorship program readiness.

RESULTS

Mentees ranked all three domains of the nursing workplace satisfaction higher post program in comparison to pre-program. (“How much do you enjoy your job”, “How much do you enjoy doing your job, and “How much do you enjoy the people you work with”)

Mentors overall highly ranked the communication domain with the respective mentees on the post program evaluation.

IMPLICATIONS

Mentorship provides nurses with an opportunity to enhance professional development and can serve as a model to contribute to a positive work environment.

Mentoring can be an effective tool for retaining nurses and in advancing the profession.

Keywords

mentorship, fellowship program, nursing, experienced nurse, critical care mentor

This document is currently not available here.

Share

COinS