Needs Assessment: Examining Nurse Mentorship in a Military Treatment Facility

Background Despite 4.3 million registered nurses (RNs) in the United States, nearly a third are not practicing, exacerbating nursing workforce shortages across the nation’s healthcare settings. The Military Health System (MHS) reported significant attrition, with some specialties losing up to 37% annually. Research shows mentorship boosts job satisfaction and retention, yet the MHS lacks a formal program to support and sustain its nursing workforce long-term. Aim This needs assessment investigates the feasibility of establishing a nurse mentorship program at a Military Treatment Facility (MTF) to help elevate job satisfaction and strengthen nursing retention. Methods Anonymous questionnaires, structured interviews, and stakeholder engagement assessed mentorship benefits and barriers. Two pre- and post-literature exposure questionnaires and face-to-face stakeholder interviews gathered critical insights. Outcomes Study findings indicated that 91% of respondents acknowledged mentorship’s potential to enhance job satisfaction, while 87% agreed it would improve nurse retention. However, 30% of respondents expressed neutrality regarding participation, citing time constraints and staffing limitations as key barriers. Interviews reinforced these findings, emphasizing the need for voluntary, standardized mentorship programs. Impact The findings provide a basis for initiating a mentorship program at an MTF, with promising prospects for MHS-wide adoption to improve job satisfaction and stabilize the nursing workforce.