Nurses’ and Midwives’ Experiences of Participating as Mentees in a Clinical Mentorship Program in Rwanda: Benefits and Challenges

Abstract

Background
Evidence suggests that clinical mentorship enhances the competence and professional development of nurses and midwives, thereby improving patient outcomes. However, there is limited knowledge of their experience with mentorship programs in Rwanda and similar resource-limited contexts. This study aimed to explore the benefits and challenges faced by nurse and midwife mentees in a clinical mentorship program in Rwanda.
Objectives
The study aimed to understand the specific benefits and challenges mentees experienced in the Training, Support, and Access Model (TSAM) mentorship program.
Methods
An interpretive phenomenological design was used to conduct 28 in-depth interviews with nurse and midwife mentees in selected health facilities in Rwanda. Audio recordings were transcribed and translated into English, and NVivo software was used to organize the data and conduct thematic analysis based on Crist and Tanner’s framework.
The analysis revealed three primary themes: 1) developing professional competencies, highlighting new knowledge acquisition and enhanced clinical skills, 2) perceptions of the mentorship process, which included mentorship insights and improvement suggestions, and 3) experiences of support, challenges, and coping strategies.
Conclusion
The findings substantiate the critical role of mentorship in enhancing professional competencies and advancing clinical practice. The insights gained on support mechanisms, challenges encountered, and effective coping strategies underscore mentorship as a dynamic tool for fostering professional development and resilience among nurses and midwives. This study articulates the multifaceted nature of clinical mentorship in nursing and midwifery.
Rwanda J Med Health Sci 2026;9(1):100-115