Background of the Study
Clinical performance is a key determinant of nursing students’ readiness for professional practice, influencing their ability to provide high-quality patient care (WHO, 2024). Mentorship programs have been identified as an effective strategy for enhancing clinical learning, providing students with guidance, support, and role modeling from experienced nurses (Henderson et al., 2023). Mentorship bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and clinical practice, ensuring that students develop essential competencies in a structured and supportive environment (Johnson & Williams, 2024).
Mentorship in nursing education involves pairing students with experienced clinical mentors who provide hands-on training, constructive feedback, and professional guidance (Ali et al., 2023). Studies have shown that mentorship improves clinical reasoning, enhances confidence, and reduces anxiety among nursing students (Peters & Akintola, 2023). Additionally, mentorship fosters the development of essential skills such as communication, teamwork, and critical thinking, all of which are crucial for effective patient care (Usman et al., 2024).
At Federal Teaching Hospital, Gombe (FTHG), mentorship programs have been implemented to enhance students' clinical experiences. However, there is limited research evaluating the effectiveness of these programs in improving clinical performance. Understanding the impact of mentorship on students' clinical skills, confidence, and professional integration is essential for optimizing nursing education.
Statement of the Problem
Despite the recognized benefits of mentorship in nursing education, many students still struggle with clinical performance due to inadequate supervision, limited practical exposure, and high patient-nurse ratios (Eze et al., 2024). At FTHG, mentorship programs have been introduced to address these challenges, yet their effectiveness remains largely unexamined. Nursing students often report difficulties in adapting to clinical settings, making errors in patient care, and lacking confidence in performing clinical procedures (Okeke & Ibrahim, 2023).
While mentorship is intended to facilitate smoother clinical transitions, the absence of structured assessments makes it difficult to determine its actual impact on students' performance. There is a need for empirical research to evaluate whether mentorship programs at FTHG significantly enhance students' clinical competence, confidence, and professional development. This study seeks to assess the effect of mentorship programs on nursing students’ clinical performance at FTHG, identifying best practices and areas for improvement.
Objectives of the Study
1. To evaluate the impact of mentorship programs on nursing students' clinical skills at FTHG.
2. To assess the influence of mentorship programs on nursing students' confidence in clinical practice at FTHG.
3. To examine the role of mentorship in improving students' adaptation to clinical environments at FTHG.
Research Questions
1. How do mentorship programs influence nursing students' clinical skills at FTHG?
2. What is the impact of mentorship programs on nursing students' confidence in clinical practice?
3. How does mentorship facilitate students' adaptation to clinical environments at FTHG?
Research Hypotheses
1. Mentorship programs significantly improve nursing students' clinical skills at FTHG.
2. Nursing students who participate in mentorship programs exhibit higher confidence levels in clinical practice.
3. Mentorship programs enhance students' ability to adapt to clinical environments at FTHG.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study will focus on nursing students undergoing clinical training at FTHG, assessing the impact of mentorship on their clinical skills and confidence. Limitations include variations in mentor quality, differences in students' prior clinical exposure, and potential biases in self-reported data.
Definitions of Terms
• Mentorship: A structured relationship in which experienced nurses guide and support nursing students in clinical practice.
• Clinical Performance: The ability of nursing students to demonstrate competence in patient care.
• Adaptation: The process of adjusting to clinical environments and responsibilities in nursing practice.
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