Preparation and Evaluation of a Web-Based E-Mentoring Program for Newly Hired Nurses

In Turkey, the adaptation of newly hired nurses to institutions and organizational culture typically occurs through an apprentice-mentor relationship under the guidance of experienced nurses. Within mentoring and guidance programs established by institutions, newly hired nurses work with mentors assigned by the organization. Mentors are expected to be continuously available to support new nurses, facilitate their learning processes, and foster adaptation to the work environment through constructive and critical guidance. However, in these programs, mentors often struggle to fulfill these responsibilities in addition to their daily tasks, finding it challenging to allocate time for their mentees and facing increased workloads; mentees, in turn, may have difficulty reaching their mentors when needed. Studies indicate that nurses participating in mentorship programs demonstrate lower turnover rates compared to those without such programs, underscoring the importance of mentorship.

Research on mentoring nurses in their first year of practice shows that mentorship reduces turnover, eases adaptation, and helps them develop essential professional skills. Mentors serve as role models for mentees and play a crucial role in fostering a supportive workplace culture. Furthermore, mentorship has been shown to reduce clinical practice-related stress. The findings from these studies highlight the effectiveness of mentorship programs in supporting the adaptation of new employees, while also emphasizing the need to eliminate time and space limitations for an effective mentoring process. These findings point to the potential benefits of e-mentorship. Leveraging emerging technologies is thus essential in facilitating the adaptation of newly hired nurses and fostering a skilled workforce. Notably, the literature does not currently include an e-mentorship application specifically for newly hired nurses in Turkey. This study aims to develop, implement, and evaluate an e-mentorship program, presenting an innovative contribution to the literature and holding significant potential for enhancing professional practice.