Are mentors failing to fail underperforming student nurses? An integrative literature review

Wray, Jane; Kennedy, Michelle; North, Hannah

Abstract

Aim: this review aimed to identify and review primary research to address the question: ‘Is there evidence that mentors are failing to fail underperforming student nurses?’ Design: this was an integrative literature review. Methods: online databases (Medline, Scopus, PsycINFO, and the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL)) were searched using specified inclusion and exclusion criteria to focus the review. Critical appraisal was undertaken and key findings, outcomes and emergent concepts were identified from each study. These were then collated and synthesised into themes. Results: five articles met the criteria and review aim. Three main themes were identified. These were the mentors’ relationship with the university, documentation when failing a student, and psychological and emotional impacts. Conclusion: the phenomenon of failing to fail continues to concern the nursing profession but there is limited primary research evidence to inform contemporary discussions in the UK regarding the management of this in practice.

Citation

Wray, J., Kennedy, M., & North, H. (2019). Are mentors failing to fail underperforming student nurses? An integrative literature review. British Journal of Nursing, 28(4), 250-255. https://doi.org/10.12968/bjon.2019.28.4.250

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jan 21, 2019
• Online Publication Date: Feb 27, 2019
• Publication Date: Feb 28, 2019
• Deposit Date: Jan 21, 2019
• Publicly Available Date: Aug 28, 2019
• Journal: British Journal of Nursing
• Print ISSN: 0966-0461
• Publisher: MA Healthcare
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 28
• Issue: 4
• Pages: 250-255
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.12968/bjon.2019.28.4.250
• Keywords: Mentors; Mentoring; Students; Integrative review; Competence
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/1222726
• Publisher URL: https://www.magonlinelibrary.com/loi/bjon
• Contract Date: Jan 21, 2019