Exploring mentoring and nurse faculty: An integrative review

Background: Mentoring is recommended as an intervention to assist nurses in adjusting to the faculty role. While research on academic mentoring for nurse faculty is growing, the findings of this body of research have not been summarized to inform the development of mentoring programs. Purpose: The purpose of this integrative review is to summarize and synthesize the research regarding mentoring relationships and mentoring programs in academia for nurse faculty. Method: Whittemore and Knafl's (2005) methodology for integrative reviews guided this work. Electronic databases that were searched using the following terms: mentorship, mentors, mentor, nursing faculty, faculty, educational personnel, nurses, nursing, and nursing education. Primary research studies were included that examined mentoring relationships among nurse faculty, mentoring program components, and mentoring outcomes in academia. Results: A total of 18 studies were included in the review. Five main topics were identified: (1) prevalence of mentoring programs and relationships, (2) priorities within mentoring programs and relationships, (3) perceived quality of mentoring programs and relationships, (4) outcomes of mentoring programs and relationships, and (5) challenges within mentoring relationships. Conclusion: More research is needed to inform nurse faculty and leaders as they design effective mentoring programs and support the development of collaborative and enriching mentoring relationships.