The effect of clinical mentorship programs on nursing students’ skill acquisition in University of Uyo Teaching Hospital
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Background of the Study
Clinical mentorship programs play a significant role in the education and professional development of nursing students. Mentorship is a dynamic relationship where an experienced nurse (the mentor) provides guidance, support, and knowledge to a less experienced student (the mentee) to enhance their clinical skills and foster personal and professional growth (Grant & Lumsden, 2023). In nursing education, clinical placements offer students the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings, and mentorship further strengthens this process by guiding students in their clinical practice (Smith et al., 2024). Effective mentorship has been shown to improve students' competencies in clinical decision-making, patient care, and communication skills, which are essential for their development as qualified nurses (Brown et al., 2023).
At University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, nursing students engage in clinical placements across various departments, gaining firsthand experience in patient care. Clinical mentorship in this setting aims to enhance these students' clinical abilities, critical thinking, and confidence in performing nursing tasks (Adams & Stevenson, 2023). However, despite its potential benefits, the implementation and effectiveness of clinical mentorship programs are often questioned due to challenges such as inadequate resources, overburdened mentors, and misalignment between academic goals and clinical practice (Miller & Barker, 2024).
The need for a structured mentorship program that promotes skill acquisition among nursing students is crucial, as these students are expected to enter a highly demanding healthcare environment after graduation. In this context, mentorship can help bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical experience, enabling students to navigate the complexities of patient care with competence and confidence (Jones et al., 2023). Therefore, understanding the impact of clinical mentorship on the acquisition of nursing skills is vital in improving educational outcomes and ensuring that nursing students are well-prepared for the challenges of the profession.
Statement of the Problem
Despite the growing recognition of the importance of clinical mentorship in nursing education, there remains a gap in knowledge regarding its specific impact on nursing students' skill acquisition at University of Uyo Teaching Hospital. Many nursing students face difficulties in mastering complex clinical procedures due to a lack of individualized support and guidance (Taylor et al., 2024). While mentorship has been cited as a tool for enhancing clinical skills in other settings, there is insufficient research focusing on its direct effect on the acquisition of key nursing skills, such as administering medications, conducting patient assessments, and managing patient care effectively. Furthermore, the challenges faced by clinical mentors, such as heavy workloads and lack of training in mentorship, may limit the success of these programs in improving student outcomes (Johnson & Harris, 2023).
The problem is exacerbated by the growing demand for skilled healthcare workers, particularly in regions with limited resources. University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, like many other healthcare institutions, faces the challenge of maintaining quality clinical mentorship programs while addressing issues such as mentor availability, resources, and institutional support (Thompson et al., 2025). As such, it is essential to examine the effectiveness of clinical mentorship programs at this specific institution to determine whether they significantly contribute to nursing students' skill acquisition or if there are barriers that hinder their success.
Objectives of the Study
- To evaluate the effect of clinical mentorship programs on nursing students’ clinical skill acquisition at University of Uyo Teaching Hospital.
- To identify the factors influencing the effectiveness of clinical mentorship in improving students’ nursing competencies.
- To assess the challenges faced by clinical mentors and nursing students during the mentorship process.
Research Questions
- How does participation in clinical mentorship programs affect the acquisition of clinical skills among nursing students at University of Uyo Teaching Hospital?
- What are the key factors that influence the effectiveness of clinical mentorship in improving nursing students' clinical competencies?
- What challenges do nursing students and mentors face in the clinical mentorship process at University of Uyo Teaching Hospital?
Research Hypotheses
- There is a significant relationship between participation in clinical mentorship programs and nursing students’ skill acquisition in University of Uyo Teaching Hospital.
- The availability of experienced mentors positively influences the effectiveness of clinical mentorship programs in enhancing nursing students' clinical skills.
- Challenges such as mentor workload and lack of resources negatively impact the effectiveness of clinical mentorship programs at University of Uyo Teaching Hospital.
Scope and Limitations of the Study This study focuses on the clinical mentorship programs at University of Uyo Teaching Hospital and their impact on nursing students' skill acquisition. It is limited to nursing students in their clinical placement year and the mentors who oversee their training. The study does not include other healthcare settings or educational institutions. Potential limitations of the study include the availability of participants, variability in mentorship experiences, and the possibility of bias in self-reported data from both students and mentors.
Definitions of Terms
- Clinical mentorship: A supportive, one-on-one relationship between a nursing student and an experienced nurse, aimed at fostering the student's professional development and skill acquisition in clinical practice.
- Skill acquisition: The process through which nursing students develop the necessary competencies and abilities to perform clinical tasks effectively in healthcare settings.
- Nursing competencies: The knowledge, skills, and abilities required for nurses to provide safe and effective patient care.
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