MENTORSHIP IN NURSING EDUCATION: ITS ROLE IN ENHANCING CLINICAL COMPETENCE AND PROFESSIONAL GROWTH

Mentorship plays a vital role in nursing education, significantly influencing the development of clinical competence and professional growth in students. Its impact helps prepare nursing students to meet the challenges of modern healthcare environments effectively. This study aimed to examine the role of mentorship in enhancing these aspects among nursing students in the Philippines. A qualitative research design was employed, with 15 nursing educators, each having over 10 years of mentorship experience, participating. Data were gathered through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using thematic analysis. Four key themes emerged: (1) Guided Skill Development and Clinical Proficiency; (2) Building Confidence and Professional Identity; (3) Support in Critical Thinking and Decision-Making; and (4) Fostering Lifelong Learning and Career Growth. The findings revealed that mentorship creates a supportive learning environment, enabling students to enhance clinical skills, gain professional confidence, and improve critical thinking. Furthermore, mentorship fosters a commitment to lifelong learning, essential for nurses to stay competent in the rapidly changing healthcare landscape. To enhance mentorship in nursing education, it is recommended that structured mentorship programs be integrated into nursing curricula, mentor trainings be provided, and adequate institutional support and resources be ensured. Additionally, ongoing evaluation of mentorship programs and a focus on promoting lifelong learning for both students and mentors should be prioritized to maintain the relevance and effectiveness of these programs in evolving healthcare environments.