The current status of research mentoring in nursing

The current ANS featured article is titled “The Current Status of Research Mentoring in Nursing Across 4 Countries: A Discussion Paper” authored by Eun-ok Im MPH, RN, FAAN; Hsiu-Hung Wang, PhD, RN, FAAN; Hsiu-Min Tsai, PhD, RN, FAAN; Reiko Sakashita, PhD, RN; Eui Geum Oh, PhD, RN, FAAN; Haewon Kim, PhD, RN; and Ching-Min Chen, DNS, RN, FAAN.  While this article is featured is available for free download here. Here is a message about this work that Dr. Eui Geum Oh provided for ANS readers:

Developing future professional nurses hinges on effective research mentoring, a crucial strategy. Research mentoring differs from clinical mentoring, by focusing on training young nurse researchers to become independent, skilled investigators who secure research funding. Our journey began with a discussion among nursing leaders from different countries during an international conference. We discovered a lack of knowledge about research mentoring in nursing globally. To tackle this issue, we conducted a detailed study on research mentoring in nursing across four countries, and we offer suggestions for improvement.

This paper introduces the concepts of ‘mentoring in nursing research’ and ‘good mentoring’. Our findings emphasize the need for research mentoring to teach integrity, facilitate practical learning through respectful, trusting, and well-communicated approaches, and require consistent support from governments, professional bodies, and institutions. We hope our insights could benefit nursing research mentors and mentees globally.