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Updated: Jun 23, 2026
10:07
Using Learning Outcome Measures to assess Doctoral Nursing Education
Published on: June 21, 2010
A mentoring needs assessment: validating mentorship in nursing education
Jo-Ann V Sawatzky1, Carol L Enns
1Faculty of Nursing, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. joanne_sawatzky@umanitoba.ca
Summary
A nursing faculty mentoring needs assessment reveals that while faculty value caring and career guidance from mentors, time and support are key barriers. Establishing formal mentoring programs is crucial for nursing education retention and quality.
Area of Science:
- Nursing Education
- Faculty Development
- Higher Education
Background:
- A critical shortage of nursing faculty is anticipated due to an aging professoriate and challenges in recruitment and retention.
- Mentoring programs are recognized for their potential to improve recruitment, enhance retention, and foster a supportive teaching environment.
- The nursing education sector faces a significant risk to its integrity without proactive faculty support strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a mentoring needs assessment among nursing faculty.
- To gather data to establish the foundation and validation for a formal nursing faculty mentoring program.
- To identify key factors influencing faculty mentoring relationships in nursing.
Main Methods:
- A survey/questionnaire, the Faculty of Nursing Mentoring Needs Assessment, was administered to full-time faculty.
- The study achieved a 60% response rate (n = 29) from the full-time faculty.
- Data analysis focused on identifying perceived needs, stressors, and barriers related to faculty mentoring.
Main Results:
- Mentors' roles in career function and providing a caring environment were highly valued, consistent with findings in other disciplines.
- Novice faculty identified "fitting in" to the academic environment as their primary stressor.
- Key qualities of effective mentors included teaching expertise and a caring approach; significant barriers were lack of time and insufficient faculty support.
Conclusions:
- The study provides evidence supporting the implementation of mentoring programs in nursing education.
- A supportive and caring mentoring environment is essential for sustaining the quality and integrity of nursing education.
- Addressing barriers such as time constraints and faculty support is critical for successful mentoring program implementation.
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