Student Nurses’ Perception of the Effectiveness of the Mentorship Program in PMH in Nairobi County, Kenya

Abstract

Understanding the effectiveness of mentorship program from the perspective of student nurses at Pumwani Maternity Hospital reveals both significant achievements and critical areas needing improvement. This study examined student nurses' perceptions of the effectiveness of mentorship at Pumwani Maternity Hospital (PMH) in Nairobi County, Kenya. Effective mentorship in nursing has been proven essential for professional development and addressing the needs of nursing students. This study aims to evaluate how student nurses perceive mentorship at PMH, identifying the strengths and areas for improvement. A descriptive research design was adopted, targeted nursing students enrolled in clinical training at PMH. Using simple random sampling, a sample of 84 participants was enlisted. Data was collected through self-administered questionnaires, featuring Likert scales and open-ended questions. The response rate was 95.2%. Analysis was done using SPSS Version 25.0. Key findings revealed that 62.5% of respondents reported positive relationships with their mentors, while 33.5% felt they were part of the team. Additionally, 64.5% agreed that procedures were adequately explained, and 70% felt that patient care was appropriately managed. Despite these positive findings, significant gaps in inclusivity and responsiveness to learner needs were identified. The study concludes that, although the mentorship program at PMH is generally effective, there is still substantial room for improvement. Recommendations include a comprehensive review of existing mentorship policies and the development of supportive systems to enhance mentee engagement and mentor effectiveness.