Policy Factors Associated with Nurse Managers' Preparedness in Mentorship Role at Kenyatta National Hospital, Kenya

Abstract

Purpose: Mentorship plays a crucial role in the professional development of nurses, emphasizing a patient-centric approach to nursing care. However, there exists a lack of clarity regarding the preparatory measures for nurses in charge who, at the same time, are ward managers, posing challenges in effectively conveying their multifaceted responsibilities. This research aimed to assess policy factors associated with the preparedness of nurse managers for mentorship roles at Kenyatta National Hospital. Methodology: The study employed a descriptive cross-sectional design, utilizing a simple random sampling strategy to engage 88 respondents. Data collection involved a carefully designed self-administered questionnaire comprising a blend of open-ended and closed-ended inquiries to ensure a comprehensive exploration. Data analysis was done using descriptive statistics and correlation analysis. Results: Key findings revealed that 42% of participants were moderately prepared for mentorship roles, while 58% were inadequately prepared due to time constraints, workload, and lack of management support. Correlation results revealed that nurses’ level of involvement in policymaking was significant at r(87)= .281, p=.008). The nurse managers are best placed to offer mentorship to other nurses, especially to junior nurses who have joined the profession. Conclusion and Recommendations: The study concluded that while nurses were actively involved in policy-making processes, their contributions were often disregarded during policy development, leading to a lack of clear guidelines for mentorship programs despite existing standard operating procedures within nurse manager units. It is imperative for the hospital management to actively involve all stakeholders, including nurse Managers in the policy development process. Considering the input of nurse managers alongside other stakeholders will ensure that policies regarding mentorship programs are comprehensive and inclusive.