"The Impact of Mentor–Mentee Relationships on Clinical Competence and Confidence Among Nursing Students"

Abstract: Mentorship is a cornerstone of professional development in nursing, critically shaping the clinical competence, self-confidence, and professional identity of students. The transition from theoretical learning to the complexities of patient-centered care often engenders uncertainty, stress, and a fear of errors among nursing students. Structured mentor–mentee relationships effectively bridge this gap by offering essential support, guided learning, and positive role modeling, thereby facilitating both clinical proficiency and psychosocial growth. This article comprehensively reviews the extant evidence on the impact of these relationships, exploring how they contribute to skill acquisition, professional socialization, emotional resilience, and career development. It examines various mentorship models, identifies prevalent challenges, and proposes evidence-based strategies to optimize mentor–mentee interactions. Findings consistently demonstrate that effective mentorship enhances not only technical skills but also critical thinking, communication, and leadership abilities. Furthermore, mentees develop greater self-assurance and adaptability, which are indispensable in dynamic healthcare settings. The article concludes with pragmatic recommendations for nursing education institutions to implement and sustain structured mentorship programs, ultimately fostering a competent, confident, and resilient future nursing workforce.