Benefits and challenges for hospital nurses engaged in formal mentoring programs: A systematic integrated review

Aims: To explore the overall benefits and challenges for the mentee, the mentor, and the hospital (stakeholders) in hospital-sponsored mentoring programs. Background: Formal mentoring programs are widely used to assist nurses to adapt to clinical practice, facilitate their career development, and improve workforce retention. However, the overall benefits and challenges for stakeholders involved in formal mentoring programs remain largely unknown due to a lack of systematic reviews to synthesize relevant studies in this important area. Design: A systematic integrated review. Data sources: A systematic search of six databases including CINAHL, Web of Science, MEDLINE, Scopus, Science Direct, and ProQuest was undertaken. Review methods: Studies that met the inclusion criteria were assessed for methodological quality using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tools. Findings from qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods studies were extracted and synthesized thematically using a convergent synthesis method. Results: Twenty-two original studies were included in the review. Findings are presented under five themes: the benefits for mentees, the benefits for mentors, the benefits for the hospital, challenges perceived by mentees and mentors, and mismatched mentor–mentee pairs. Conclusion: Mentoring programs that build on reciprocal relationships among mentees and mentors generate substantial benefits for all if mentees are able to navigate the challenges of the complex and dynamic nature of the clinical practice environment. Organizational support is important in overcoming these challenges.