Educational Alternatives, Volume 23, 2025

Abstract: Mentoring could be defined as giving support, assistance, guidance in learning new skills, adopting behaviours and acquiring new attitudes. Existing research has focused mostly on mentees’ experiences, rather than mentor’s experience. A profound understanding of mentors’ perception of benefits and drawbacks/negative benefits) is crucial for enhancing the willingness of nurses to become a clinical nursing mentor. The aim of the study was to gain in-depth knowledge of advantages and drawbacks of mentorship from the point of trainee mentors. A qualitative interview study based on semi-structured individual interviews. Data were analysed using Braun and Clarke´s thematic analysis from a purposive sample of trainee mentors (n=6) who have finished the Basics of Mentorship recently. Other inclusion criteria were to hold permanent employment (100%) as a registered nurse, had at least six-month experience of mentoring nursing students and to be willing to participate in the study. Three themes were identified from the data: Ongoing development for being a good mentor reflected the acquisition of abilities to promote learning environment, Contextual perceptions (environmental factors such as time, teamwork cooperation, resources availability), and Personal satisfaction. Study brings a more profound understanding of nurses’ perspectives of being a mentor, its benefits and drawbacks.