Mentoring and job satisfaction. Perceptions of certified nurse-midwives

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between mentoring and job satisfaction among recently certified nurse-midwives. The Demographic Data Questionnaire, Job Satisfaction Survey, and Quality of Mentoring Tool were mailed to all first-year eligible members (N = 466) of the American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM). A total of 317 surveys (68%) were included in the analysis. Sixty-five percent (n = 208) have had a mentor. Twenty-six (8%) had participated in the ACNM Mentoring Program and 33 (10%) had participated in a student mentoring program other than the ACNM Mentoring Program. The most frequently identified qualities of the mentoring relationship were model, supporter, envisioner, and investor. Eighty-one percent (n = 249) reported that they were satisfied with their current job. There was no significant relationship between stated job satisfaction and participation in a mentoring relationship. A significant, but low, correlation was found between stated job satisfaction and the quality of the mentoring relationship (r = .16, P = .03) and between scores on the Job Satisfaction Survey and Quality of Mentoring Tool (r = .14, P = .04).