Mentoring for nurses in general practice: an Australian study

This paper presents findings from a project conducted to recommend a national framework for mentoring for general practice nurses in Australia. The first phase identified challenges and key issues; the second and third phases (reported here) engaged practice nurses and general medical practitioners in discussion to advance thinking on the topic. Outcomes revolved around seven core areas: role confusion and diversity of practice nursing; lack of a defined career pathway for practice nurses; professional isolation of practice nurses; need for general practitioner support; expectations of mentoring; importance of resourcing and infrastructure; and roles, skills and qualities of mentors. Implications of these for the development of a systemic approach to supporting nurses in general practice are discussed, taking into account the inter-professional context and special working relationship between nurses and doctors. Findings revealed keen support for the idea of mentoring for nurses in general practice and indicate success will depend on appropriate resourcing and infrastructure through national, state and local coordination processes.