Peer mentorship: implementation of a resident registered nurse anesthetist mentorship program

Abstract

Purpose of Project: Nurse anesthesia residents experience high levels of stress while being enrolled in a post-baccalaureate nurse anesthesia program. Elevated levels of stress have been proven to limit one’s ability to learn and commit new material to memory. This study represents a quality improvement project that implements a Peer Mentorship Program (PMP) into a Nurse Anesthesia Program at a university in the New England area of the United States.Methodology: This study utilized descriptive statistics to determine if implementation of a peer mentorship program would help decrease nurse anesthesia resident’s stress, while simultaneously increasing academic and clinical performance. Data gathered by the investigators of this study was composed of a Critical Action Point Checklist (CAPC); a set of objectives that were meant to be completed by the participants in order to help run a successful mentorship program. Additional data consisted of a Peer Mentorship Program Reflection Questionnaire at the conclusion of the study to receive feedback about the Peer Mentorship Program.Results: 56% of participants agreed that the Peer Mentorship Program helped to decrease stress during the study. Meanwhile, 68% of participants either strongly agreed or agreed that a PMP would help them to become a better CRNA provider post-graduation, and 83.4% of participants agreed that they would like to see the Peer Mentorship Program continue for future cohorts.Implications of Practice: This study suggests that more Nurse Anesthesia Programs should work to incorporate a Peer Mentorship Program for their nurse anesthesia residents to help develop safe high quality anesthesia providers for the future.