An ecosystem approach to mentoring research faculty in schools of nursing: The pacific northwest interdependence mentoring model

Abstract

Background

Mentoring can facilitate faculty career development and retention. Given ongoing challenges in academic nursing (e.g., shrinking number of experienced mentors), it is necessary to revisit and improve upon existing mentoring models and practices to support current and future nurse researchers.

Purpose

To describe the development of a new faculty-to-faculty research mentoring model.

Methods

Construction of a model describing mentoring needed by research-focused nurse faculty based on analysis of the literature alongside the authors’ personal experiences.

Findings

The Pacific Northwest Interdependence Mentoring Model (PIMM) describes academic nursing as an ecosystem that fosters caring, trust, solidarity, equity, openness, and interdependent relationships among research faculty, administration, institutions, and funding sources.

Discussion

Although mentoring environments differ in unique strengths, weaknesses, mission, culture, and values, the PIMM’s approach could be applicable for many schools of nursing and beyond to support the growth of the nursing discipline.