A Watson-Based Mentorship Programme for New Nurses: A Longitudinal Mixed-Methods Study

Mentorship programmes are widely used to support the professional transition of newly employed nurses; however, evidence regarding their effectiveness in developing countries remains limited.

This study aimed to examine the effects of a mentorship programme based on Watson's Theory of Human Caring on new nurses' transition experience, job satisfaction and intention to leave, and to explore the experiences and perceived benefits of both mentor and mentee nurses.

This study employed a longitudinal multiphase explanatory mixed-methods design. The study was conducted between June 2022 and June 2023 at a university hospital in western Türkiye. The mentorship programme lasted nine months and involved monthly face-to-face meetings between mentor (n = 15) and mentee nurses (n = 24). Quantitative data were collected before and four months after the programme from the completing mentee nurses (n = 16) to assess transition experience, job satisfaction and intention to leave. Qualitative data were obtained through monthly interviews with mentors who completed the process (n = 11) and open-ended evaluation forms completed by both mentors and mentees at the end of the programme. Quantitative data were analysed using statistical tests for dependent groups, while qualitative data were examined through content analysis.

No statistically significant differences were found in new nurses' job satisfaction, intention to leave or perception of the transition process (p > 0.05). However, a moderate effect size was observed for the perception of the transition process (r = 0.41), indicating the potential positive influence of the mentorship programme. Qualitative findings showed that the programme enhanced mentors' communication and leadership skills and supported the professional and clinical adaptation of mentee nurses.

Mentorship programmes structured within Watson's Theory of Human Caring may provide a supportive and healing framework that facilitates the early clinical adaptation of new nurses.