Mentoring new nurses

Abstract

There is a widening gap between nursing education and beginning nursing practice. Research has been done in nurse mentoring, but more needs to be done to see if mentoring aids new nurses in the process of adapting to the workforce. The purpose of this study is to identify the mentoring characteristics of new nurses' preceptors/mentors. Benner's (1984) From Novice to Expert theory will be used as the theoretical framework. Darling's (1984a) instrument Measuring Mentoring Potential will be used. This study will use a descriptive design. Human protection of subjects will be insured through utilizing appropriate processes. A convenience sample will be used of 50 graduate nurses working at a large East Central Indiana Hospital.