Bridging the gap between professional development and mentoring in nursing

Abstract

Problem: Professional development and mentoring future nurse leaders are essential to succession planning in healthcare. Healthy work environments recognize the importance of nurses’ professional development, career satisfaction, and the need for nurses to continue to grow in practice while providing quality patient care (Price & Reichert, 2017). Mentoring plays a critical role in establishing the foundation for success and ongoing career development. In addition, patients also benefit from mentoring because nurses obtain the knowledge, skills and experience that will yield to effective nursing care providers. Aim: The purpose of this project is to provide a resource and educate undergraduate nursing students on how to advance and transition professionally in nursing, by utilizing The Dreyfus Model of Skill Acquisition (DMSA).  The DMSA model has frequently been applied to other disciplines such as administration, education, and research (Pena, 2010).  The theory focuses on assessing nursing needs at different professional growth levels through various stages of the DMSA model (Nursing Theory, 2018). Mentorship and professional development tools will empower undergraduate nursing students to increase confidence levels, and also facilitate the proper skills to function as a prudent nurse. Methodology: An educational session was planned for the Carbaret College of Nursing in Haiti. A self-assessment was to be administered at the beginning of the session to evaluate knowledge of professional development. The course facilitators were to provide a thorough overview of professional development, mentorship, and career development pathways. The facilitators were to elicit responses for audience participation to inquire about interest and professional development goals.  Evaluation: Concluding the presentation, the project participants were to be given an opportunity to ask questions and complete a post assessment survey. Students would be encouraged to seek mentoring opportunities as they progress in their professional careers and given tools for future resources.