Concept Of Analysis (Coursework Sample)

Concept Of Analysis
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Mentoring
Abstract
Due to the large number of technical and emotional demands that are associated with the nursing profession mentoring new nurses is important for the successful transition into their professional practice. Feedback that is obtained from the new nurses regarding mentorship programs provide information that is important in enhancing or restructuring the mentorship programs. Moreover, nursing leadership is in a critical state hence creating the need to identify effective approaches for sustaining and developing nurse leaders. Mentoring has been established as an invaluable tool for attracting, training, and retaining nurse leaders. Concept analysis of mentoring is important as an initial step in developing a theoretical background and a conceptual definition of the concept (Alligood, 2014). The examination of mentoring especially in regards to nurse leadership provides an understanding of the importance of mentoring nurse leaders and also mentoring new nurses in the healthcare system (Hodgson & Scanlan, 2013). This paper will analyze the concept of mentoring and the concept analysis model developed by Walker and Avant will be used for analysis.
Introduction
Mentoring is a relationship between novice and experienced nurses and is among the best practices that foster careers in nursing for new nurses and the nurses that are in transition, nurse leaders and those that experience burnout. Mentorship differs from the model of preceptorship that places its focus on clinical factors and is time limited in regards to helping nurses adapt to their new environments and positions (Wagner & Seymour, 2007). Mentorship is a humanistic relational model for enriching clinical practice with a deeper and holistic focus aimed at nurturing the whole individual (Wagner & Seymour, 2007).
Moreover, literature has paid much attention to the critical state of development of nurse leadership and the need to establish the most effective ways of sustaining such nurses. Mentoring has been established as an appropriate means for fulfilling the need (Hodgson & Scanlan, 2013). When combined and guided by a framework that is built on trust, commitment, compassion, and competence, mentoring builds healthy relationships and energizes nursing practice environments. In addition, it stimulates new perspectives regarding self, other and the world. Furthermore, it generates new opportunities and leaders with an expansive vision for the possibilities within the healthcare system (Wagner & Seymour, 2007).
Purpose for Studying Mentoring
Historically educational and training programs were based on concepts of formal apprenticeships. These apprentices were under tight control of a master practitioner and engaged in low-skill labor and complexity of knowledge that required minimal specialization (Theobald & Mitchell, 2002). However, the recent changes that are taking place in the social world that are coupled with the rapid technological advancements in medicine and nursing practices have radically changed the practice of nursing today. The current practices in nursing are a reflection of the increased sophistication and specialization of nursing knowledge and skills in a multidisciplinary and collaborative environment for patient care. This is placing an increased burden for accountability on the nursing staff. In addition, nurse graduates indicate that the transition from a student to a registered nurse is a difficult conversion. The changes in the role played, and the required high expectations that are placed on new nurses is a great concern (Theobald & Mitchell, 2002).
Moreover, leadership in nursing practice is vital in nursing practice. Today it is not a reserve for the management hence developing excellence in nurse leadership is required at all levels of nursing practice (Hodgson & Scanlan, 2013). Mentoring has been suggested as the appropriate scheme for preparing and promoting the assimilation of new nurses into nursing practice and developing nurse leaders. Such mentoring schemes have been indicated to impact the mentors and mentee positively through enhancement of career development hence the purpose of studying mentoring.
Concept Definition
Theories are tested in reality therefore, there must be a linkage between concepts should be linked to operational definitions. Such definitions relate the concepts to certain phenomena that are observable phenomena that specify empirical indicators. Moreover, the theoretical definitions are necessary to highlight the application of the concept in practice (Alligood, 2014).
Operational Definition
Mentoring is not a new phenomenon, and it extends back to the Greek poem the Odyssey. Mentoring can be described as a method and a facilitative action. For example, guiding, and the development of the growth and expertise of the skills, knowledge, attitudes, and the professional attributes (Jokelainen, 2013). Per Hinds 2009, mentoring per the America context is a way of developing the career of an individual and in Europe it is supporting and encouraging an individual towards the attainment of his/her personal goals. Therefore, a humanistic approach while mentoring is a common principle as mentoring involves the investment of time and knowledge in helping the growth of another individual growth (Jokelainen, 2013).According to the Oxford Dictionary, mentoring refers to the action of advising and/or training another individual that is often less experienced (Hodgson & Scanlan, 2013).
Theoretical Definition
The nursing profession, mentoring is a valued relationship, a nurturing process where a more experienced individual provides support for the professional growth and career development of another person in the nursing profession. (Macke, 2011) According to Ali and Panther (2008), mentoring is a vital role that each nurse should assume (Hodgson & Scanlan, 2013). Mentoring results into an ongoing relationship at all levels of nursing practice, nursing administration, education, research, and direct care. It is a confidential and supportive relationship where the experienced individuals provide guidance to an individual who is less experienced and help them achieve their full potential (Hodgson & Scanlan, 2013).
No single definition of mentoring exists; however, the understanding that mentoring is a process where an experienced individual (nurse) that is experienced provides guidance to an inexperienced individual. Mentoring is today a popular concept despite the increased difficulty in clearly defining the concept and this is due to the subjective nature of the personal relationships of individuals involved in mentoring.
Uses of the Concept
Mentoring throughout the literature defines a relationship between two people. The goal for the mentoring process is advancing the career and professional develop of the career of the mentee. This concept is used to describe an employee development process where a person that is trusted use the experience gained in providing guidance, encouragement, advice, and support to another individual. Mentoring provides contextual feedback and has a positive impact on the personal and professional skills of the mentee (Hodgson & Scanlan, 2013).
Attributes of Mentoring
The defining attributes refer to the characteristics that are present throughout the literature regarding a particular concept that are important in further defining the concept (Hodgson & Scanlan, 2013). The review of the attributes of a concept is identified via the examination of the common uses of the concept as highlighted above by conducting a review of literature. On the basis of literature review for the analysis of the concept of mentoring, several defining attributes were established as key in the definition of mentoring. These include: 1) a structural role, 2) an organizational phenomena, 3), a relationship for career development, 4) a relationship between individuals with different levels of experience, 5) a teaching-learning process, 6) a relationship that has its foundation on mutual respect and certain common goals, 7) a knowledge or competence differential between participants, 8) a resonating phenomena, 9) sharing knowledge, and 10) demonstrated willingness by the mentor and mentee to engage in the relationship.
Mentoring in Nursing (Application)
Mentoring has been effective as a strategy in various disciplines, and this includes all the professions that relate to health. It is aimed at developing expertise and leadership within the professions. Traditionally, mentoring involves the alliance between a professional that is experienced and an amateur for the mutual purpose of career development and enhancement (Byrne & Keefe, 2002). In 1982, Vance introduced the importance mentoring relationships within the nursing profession. Vance described mentoring as an emotional and a transitional relationship where the more experienced professional teachers, sponsors, counsels, guides , and serves as a model to a less experienced individual (Mijares, Baxley, & Bond, 2012). Mentorship for the new nurses has proven effective for the improvement of nursing proficiency as it boosts the self-confidence and eases adjustment into practice, promotes the development of nursing skills, and prepares the nurses to work as a team with others (Mijares, Baxley, & Bond, 2012).
Per Avant and walker (2010), the use of cases assists in illustrating the applicability of the concept in nursing. These cases may be model, borderline, contrary, and related. These cases do not contain all the attributes as described above. However, these cases provide a deeper understanding of the applicability of mentoring in nursing (Hodgson & Scanlan, 2013).
Model Case
Peter is a registered nurse who wants to advance his nursing practice and become a...