Mentors and preceptors in the nursing profession
Jeanne Madison
School of Health, University of New England, Armidale NSW
Kathy Watson
Lecturer, Department of Learning, Development and Communication, University of New England, Armidale NSW
Bruce Allen Knight
Department of Learning, Development and Communication, University of New England, Armidale NSW
PP: 121 - 126
Abstract
Mentoring and precepting are currently receiving attention in Australian nursing. Studies in private industry and corporate organizations reveal a high correlation between professional success and a positive mentoring experience. Frequently confused with preceptor relationships, mentoring differs in subtle and not-so-subtle ways.
This discussion paper aims to identify differences and similarities between the various experiences in an effort to appreciate the contribution such relationships can make to the novice nurse as well as to the mentor or preceptor. Nursing can use the concepts of mentoring and precepting in a variety of ways to facilitate the transition from novice to expert as well as career changes.
Keywords
preceptor, mentor, transition, novice, expert
References
Butterworth T and Faugier J (1992) Clinical supervision and mentorship in Nursing. Chapman & Hall, Melbourne, p.233.
Hamilton MS (1981) Mentorhood: a key to nursing leadership. Nursing Leadership 4(March): 4-13.
Kanter RM (1977) Men and women of the organization. Basic Books, New York, pp.181-184.
Kelly LY (1978) Power guide-the mentor relationship. Nursing Outlook 26(May): 339.
Levinson D (1978) The seasons of man's life. Alfred A Knopf, New York, pp.97-98, 251.
Madison J (1985) 'A study to determine the nurse administrators' perceptions of the mentoring relationship and its effect on their professional lives'. Unpublished thesis. University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Madison J, Knight B and Watson K (1993) Mentoring amongst academics in Australia: a case study. The Australian Educational Researcher 20(April): 77-91.
May KM, Meleis AI and Windstead-Fry P (1982) Mentorship for scholarliness: Opportunities and dilemmas. Nursing Outlook 30(January): 22-28.
Pilette PC (1980) Mentoring: an encounter of the leadership kind. Nursing Leadership 3(June): 22-26.
Sargent AG (1977) Beyond sex roles. West Publishing Company, St Paul, Minnesota.
Schein EH (1978) Career dynamics: Matching individual and organizational needs. Addison-Wesley, Reading, Mass., pp.177-178.
Schorr TM (1979) Mentor remembered. American Journal of Nursing 79(January): 65.
Shapiro EC, Haseltine FP and Rowe MP (1978) Moving up: Preceptors, mentors, and the 'Patron' system. Sloan Management Review 19(Spring): 51-58.
Sheehy G (1976) Passages-predictable crises of adult life. Bantam Books, New York.
Taylor L (1992) Survey of mentor relationships in academe. Journal of Professional Nursing 8(January/February): 48-55.
White J (1988) The perceived role of mentoring in the career development and success of academic nurse administrators. Journal of Professional Nursing 4(May/June): 178-185.
Williams MG (1977) The new executive woman. Chilton, Radnor, Pennsylvania, pp.197-198.
eContent Home
