Competency Development for E-Mentors of Undergraduate Nursing Students Using E-Delphi Method

BACKGROUND: The supply of future registered nurses successfully matriculating from undergraduate nursing programs is critical to address the national nursing shortage. Mentoring in higher education increases recruitment and retention within nursing programs. E-mentoring is an innovative approach to mentorship within nursing education that can optimize undergraduate nursing graduation rates. Establishing E-Mentor Competencies (EMCs) for nurses may ultimately address the nursing shortage gap. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study is to develop EMCs for mentors of undergraduate nursing students through expert group consensus via e-Delphi methodology. METHODOLOGY: The EMC survey was developed by a subject matter expert group and electronically distributed to an expert participant group. Items were ranked using a 5-point Likert scale for importance and relevance during iterative survey rounds to reach consensus. RESULTS: Sixteen EMCs were identified and categorized as knowledge, skill, or attitude. This research study identified 16 competencies required of an e-mentor for undergraduate nursing students. The 3 most important competencies identified were relationship building (4.71), cultural competence (4.88), and empathy and support (4.55). DISCUSSION: The EMCs identified by expert participant group consensus will provide a standard level of knowledge, skills, and attitudes for e-mentorship of undergraduate nursing students. Results may lead to an enhanced e-mentorship experience for both mentee and mentor and support existing and future e-mentor programs.