The importance of mentoring in the process of professional adaptation

Introduction: Practicing the profession of a nurse is associated with the acquisition of the ability to recognize the conditions and health needs of the patient, as well as its care problems. This requires graduates to obtain the appropriate competences and a proper process of professional adaptation. This is particularly important in hospital penitentiary units, where prisoners constitute a specific group of patients. At the stage of onboarding in specific conditions mentoring can effectively help. Mentoring is relationship between an older and a younger professional, intended to develop the potential in the student and allowing him to integrate into the profession. Aim of the study: The aim of the work was to get to know the opinions and views of professionally active nurses on mentoring in nursing and the factors influencing it. Methods and material of research: The research material consisted of survey answers from 206 professionally active nurses. To carry out the study, the diagnostic survey method, the survey technique and the author's questionnaire were used. The research was conducted from January to April 2023.Results: Introduction of a mentoring program in a given medical facility would encourage nurses to stay longer. For nurses, an important aspect is the appointment of a Mentor during the period of professional adaptation which would translate into better implementation of newly recruited employees. Younger nurses with shorter tenure were covered longer period of adaptation than older nurses, who in most cases were not covered by this process at all. Conclusions: The survey conducted in a group of professionally active nurses showed the need to support their professional development, especially at the beginning of their professional careers by introducing mentoring and the position of a Clinical Mentor. The majority of nurses indicated the need for such a program and willingness to participate. In their opinion, it would contribute to the improvement of clinical practice,increasing patient safety and reducing the risk of professional burnout.