Evaluation of Mentor Effectiveness in Clinical Teaching of Diploma Nursing Students at Thika Level 5 Hospital, Kenya, Kenya

Abstract

Mentoring in nursing education requires the trained professional to commit time, purpose and energy to the personal and professional development of nursing students. Mentoring nursing students is effective if the relationship between the mentor and mentee is well established. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of mentors in clinical teaching of nursing students at Thika Level 5 Hospital. The study was guided by specific objectives which were to: determine mentor preparation for clinical teaching in terms of knowledge of teaching methods and qualifications; establish the level of mentor motivation during clinical teaching; determine institutional support for mentors in clinical teaching; and determine effect of the mentor's patient load assignment on clinical teaching in relation to effectiveness of mentors in clinical teaching of diploma nursing students. Descriptive research design and stratified random sampling was used to select a sample of 106 respondents from a target population of 265 possible respondents. The sample included106 ward supervisors and staff nurses who served as mentors at Thika Level 5 Hospital.The researcher observed the ethical considerations to maintain the privacy and confidentiality of the information gathered by; not mentioning the respondents by name, respecting individual values and opinions, choosing appropriate terms to use and explain the value of the research. Data was collected by use of questionnaire, analysed descriptively and then presented in diagrams, tables and pie-charts. The results showed that mentor Preparation for clinical instruction was one of the key challenges to achievement of effectiveness in clinical teaching of diploma nursing students. From the findings, it was concluded that stakeholders in the clinical area should ensure there is proper mentor preparedness for clinical instruction. The study further concluded that mentors need be well motivated, encouraged, rewarded and supported and more nurses be hired to reduce the work load.