Mentoring experiences of psychiatric nurses: From acquaintance to affirmation

Gertrude Po kwan Siu*, Atara SIVAN

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articlepeer-review

8 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Mentoring is regarded as involving a voluntary and mutually beneficial relationship in which one person is experienced and knowledgeable (mentor) who supports the maturation of a less-experienced person (mentee). While there have been studies on mentorship in a wide range of areas within nursing, so far studies on psychiatric nursing are scarce. The hallmark of psychiatric nursing is the use of interpersonal process as a means of bringing about positive health changes in the clients. If psychiatric nurses are involved in mentorship, they can, through experiential learning, be nurtured to use interpersonal process as therapeutic tools in their work more effectively. This study examines the mentorship experiences of psychiatric nurses. Personal accounts of 27 psychiatric nurses were analyzed using qualitative methodology. Results of the study shed light on the role of mentorship in facilitating the socialization of psychiatric nurses and revealed the main aspects involved in this process. Four themes experienced by mentees during the mentoring process are the key to its success. These are: becoming acquaintances, developing bond, feeling being included and obtaining affirmation. These themes were found to be progressive in terms of mentees' degree of connection with their mentors and their involvement in the nursing profession.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)797-802
Number of pages6
JournalNurse Education Today
Volume31
Issue number8
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Nov 2011

Scopus Subject Areas

  • Nursing(all)
  • Education

User-Defined Keywords

  • Mentoring
  • Psychiatric nursing
  • Socialization of psychiatric nurses

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