Paper
Saturday, July 16, 2005
This presentation is part of : The Logic Model: A Framework for the Development, Implementation, and Evaluation of an Accelerated Master’s Entry Into Nursing Program
Moving Through: A Multi-level Interdisciplinary Student Mentoring Program
Patricia Frohock Hanes, RN, MSN, MAEd, School of Nursing, Azusa Pacific University, Azusa, CA, USA

Background: College graduates entering nursing as a second career through a condensed prelicensure and graduate nursing program of study have special adult learning needs. Despite their increased enrollment in nursing programs, limited research is available on the process and outcomes of mentoring programs for this non-traditional group.

Purpose: This presentation describes the Multi-level Interdisciplinary Student Mentoring Program (MISMP) and the evaluation of its outcomes.

Conceptual Framework: With the Logic Model as its organizing framework, the SCAN program uses the Transformational Learning Theory to guide the development and evaluation of the mentoring program.

Research Questions: 1. Is there a difference in the perceptions of students and mentors as to what extent the mentors provide career and psychosocial support during the mentoring process? 2. How well did the mentors prepare the students to progress through the SCAN program? 3. What are the positive and negative outcomes of the student mentoring program for the students and mentors?

Methods: The MISMP consists of professional career mentoring, designation of a program nursing faculty mentor, student matching with community nursing mentors, appointment of writing skills mentors, and development of peer and spiritual mentors. For the first research question, both students and mentors will complete Noe's Mentoring Scale (a psychometrically valid mentoring measure) at the end of the prelicensure and graduate nursing program phases. Data will be analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance. For the second and third research questions, separate focus groups of students and mentors will be conducted at the end of the SCAN program. These interviews will be audio-taped, transcribed, and content analyzed. Additionally, quantitative measures for research question #2 include retention and attrition rates, student GPAs, NCLEX-RN scores, and program completion.

Results and Implications: Results may suggest changes in the mentoring program and in the overall SCAN program.