MENTORSHIP SATISFACTION AMONG NURSING INTERNS: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY AT A PUBLIC SECTOR TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL IN PESHAWAR, KHYBER PAKHTUNKHWA, PAKISTAN

Abstract

Background: Mentorship is a fundamental component of nursing education that facilitates the transition of nursing students into competent healthcare professionals. Effective mentorship enhances clinical competence, professional confidence, and job satisfaction; however, evidence regarding mentorship satisfaction among nursing interns in public sector hospitals of Pakistan remains limited. Aim: To assess the level of mentorship satisfaction among nursing interns at a public sector tertiary care hospital in Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Methodology: A quantitative, descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 120 nursing interns selected through simple random sampling. Data were collected using a structured, validated questionnaire with a Content Validity Index (CVI) >0.80 and acceptable internal consistency. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 26. Descriptive statistics summarized participant characteristics and mentorship satisfaction, while inferential statistics were used to examine associations between study variables. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Overall, nursing interns reported a high level of satisfaction with mentorship. Most participants agreed that mentors were approachable (85.9%), treated them with respect and professionalism (86.7%), enhanced their clinical knowledge and practical skills (76.7%), and encouraged ethical, patient-centered nursing practice (85.0%). Furthermore, 81.7% believed that mentorship positively contributed to their professional development, and 75.8% indicated they would recommend the mentorship program to future nursing interns. However, emotional support during challenging clinical situations received comparatively lower satisfaction ratings. Conclusion: Nursing interns demonstrated an overall positive perception of the mentorship program, highlighting its significant role in enhancing clinical learning, professional development, communication, and confidence. Strengthening mentors' capacity to provide emotional support may further improve mentorship quality and facilitate a smoother transition of nursing interns into professional practice.