Incorporating research into practice enhances nursing care and is the cornerstone for evidence-based practice. Mentoring is a distinctive way to transfer nursing knowledge which may occur in a variety of settings. There is a strong need for research mentoring activities in partnerships among academics and clinicians. This opportunity for mentorship not only promotes scientific inquiry, but also, helps nurses apply scientific findings to their own clinical practice. The Journal Club is an avenue for professional research mentorship which promotes a reciprocal teaching/learning process while disseminating research findings.

One of the strongest influences in contemporary nursing practice and academic nursing is evidence-based practice (Cody, 2003). At the request of a magnet status hospital, two journal clubs were established by nursing school faculty forming an alliance between the school of nursing at a local health science center and a large, well-known metropolitan hospital. The clubs provide a forum where nurses learn to analyze current nursing research literature and also have the opportunity to critique their own practice. Strategies used to make the journal club a valuable experience include (a) an enthusiastic teaching style, (b) role modeling, (c) critique of relevant self-selected research articles, and (d) application of research and promotion of evidence-based practice (Karts & Kamel, 2003). Information shared in this format has resulted in the formation of professional relationships, mutual appreciation and respect, an in-depth understanding of the research critique process, and implementation of practice changes based on research findings. Mentoring through the journal clubs has been instrumental in bridging the gap between theory and evidence-based practice.

Key words: Mentoring, Journal Club, Evidence-Based Practice