Being a Research Mentor

A Qualitative Study

Abstract

OBJECTIVES 

This qualitative study was designed to describe the experiences of mentors for a nursing research fellowship at a southeastern US academic medical center.

BACKGROUND 

Mentoring is an important aspect of nursing and is a key strategy to develop nurse leaders and faculty. Research mentors have been identified as essential for novice researchers to be able to complete clinical studies. However, there has been limited research on the experience of nursing research mentors, despite the emphasis on the critical nature of this role.

METHODS 

Eight mentors for 23 studies over 8 years of a nursing research fellowship participated in a study outlining their experiences as research mentors.

RESULTS 

Common themes emerged from mentors' identification of key components in the research mentoring process and elements necessary for effective support of frontline nurse researchers.

CONCLUSIONS 

Recommendations for developing effective, confident research mentors are drawn from the analyses.