Development and evaluation of a web-based e-mentoring program for new nurses

Introduction: The process of being ready for work involves nurses adopting their professional roles as they transition from education to professional life, gaining the necessary knowledge and experience, and adapting to the clinical environment. During this critical period, commitment to the profession and the acquisition of the skills required to be an effective member of the healthcare team are shaped. Well-structured orientation programs and mentor support should be provided to facilitate the process of nurses' adaptation to work. Purpose: The study was conducted to design, implement, evaluate an e-mentoring program to facilitate the adaptation of newly recruited nurses to work, and to determine the effect of adaptation to work. Method: This study employed a single-group pre-post test experimental design and was conducted at a public hospital. The sample size was calculated as a minimum of 24 nurses using G*Power 3.1.9.4 software, assuming a medium effect (Cohen's f = 0,25), α = 0,05, power (1–β) = 0,80, three repeated measures, and ρ = 0,6. Considering possible dropouts, 6 additional nurses were included, resulting in a total of 30 mentees and 30 mentors. Eventually, the study was completed with 50 nurses (25 mentees and 25 mentors) after accounting for dropouts. The data of the study were collected before, after and 1 month after the program with the Mentee Information Form, Mentor Information Form, Website Usability Scale, Work Readiness Scale, Mentor Behavior Scale and Mentee Evaluation Form. The data were analyzed with SPSS v27 and quantitative variables were evaluated with mean, standard deviation, median, minimum and maximum; qualitative variables were evaluated with frequency (f) and percentage (%). Repeated Measures ANOVA was applied for repeated measurements; Paired Samples t-test was applied to test the differences between measurements; Pearson correlation analysis was applied to examine the relationships between scale scores, and a 95% confidence interval and p<0.05 significance level were taken as basis in all analyses. Result: There was a significant increase in the pre-test, post-test and one-month later retention test scores in the mentees' work readiness scale and its sub-dimensions. Conclusion: It was determined that the e-mentoring program was effective in increasing the work readiness levels of nurses.