Community service nurses’ perceptions regarding mentoring in North West Province, South Africa

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to measure and describe the perceptions of community service nurses (CSNs) regarding their mentoring in the North West Province South Africa. Descriptive survey research design was used for data collection in which a stratified random sample of 224 community service nurses completed a mentoring questionnaire. SPSS (version 23) was used to analyze the data. The results revealed that 53% (n=119) of CSNs were mentored compared to those who were not mentored (47%, n=105). Surprisingly, the majority of CSNs did not participate in a formal mentoring programme. Only 8.9% (n=20) participated in formal mentoring programme as compared to 91.1% (n=214). The CSNs attested that the mentoring roles were not met. The North West Province Department of Health should appoint mentors who will be responsible for the CSNs during the community service period. This might help in regular mentoring and support of the novice nurses.

Keywords: Community service nurse, mentee, mentoring, newly qualified nurses, programme.