NURSING PROTÉGÉ: Satisfaction and Perceptions of Student Nurses in a Tertiary Catholic University

Jearl Stephen M. Figueroa; Ellaine Ellaine S. Ko; Yna Rose Ann S. Lapuz; Lennard Jhez Perez; Jocel O Sandoval; Joseph Michael del Rosario Manlutac

Jearl Stephen M. Figueroa College of Nursing and Pharmacy, University of the Assumption, Philippines
Ellaine Ellaine S. Ko College of Nursing and Pharmacy, University of the Assumption, Philippines
Yna Rose Ann S. Lapuz College of Nursing and Pharmacy, University of the Assumption, Philippines
Lennard Jhez Perez College of Nursing and Pharmacy, University of the Assumption, Philippines
Jocel O Sandoval College of Nursing and Pharmacy, University of the Assumption, Philippines
Joseph Michael del Rosario Manlutac Department of Health Philippines, Central Luzon, Philippines

Keywords: mentoring, protégé, perceptions, satisfaction, student nurse

Abstract

Nursing school typically consists of several exhausting lectures that demand in-depth comprehension and interpretation. Having Nursing protégé programs enables experienced senior students and their junior counterparts a structured framework for sharing knowledge, abilities, and support. This study aims to investigate the satisfaction and perceptions of student nurses in a tertiary Catholic university regarding their experiences as nursing protégés. A mixed-method approach combining quantitative and qualitative surveys was used. Purposive sampling recruited 164 student nurses from a tertiary Catholic institution's Nursing Protégé Program. A researcher-made questionnaire collected their responses. Quantitative data was analyzed for satisfaction levels using frequency and percentage distribution. Thematic analysis was used for qualitative data. The numerical results showed that participants were satisfied with the program. Thematic analysis reveals that participants gain skills and competencies, interpersonal engagement, attainable assistance, synergistic collaboration, and personality development as benefits, while time constraints, non-conducive environmental milieu, and passive group members act as barriers. Direct interpersonal engagement and creative recreational activities are suggested as additional activities for the participants. Students' satisfaction with peer mentoring varies significantly based on their year level. This suggests that individual needs and expectations, along with factors like the mentoring relationship, communication skills, and compatibility with peers, influence their level of satisfaction. Future researchers may explore the development of a customary framework for the Nursing Protégé Program as a peer mentoring mechanism, which may be applicable in academe and clinical practice. The study has important implications for nursing education and practice stakeholders. Educators can improve the nursing protégé program based on the findings, while student nurses can benefit from mentorship opportunities. Future research can focus on mentor-mentee dynamics and program outcomes in nursing protégé programs.

Author Biographies

Jearl Stephen M. Figueroa, College of Nursing and Pharmacy, University of the Assumption, Philippines

Jearl Stephen M. Figueroa graduated senior high school with High Honors at the University of the Assumption, where he is also pursuing his Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. Being a multi-faceted student-leader, he is the former President of the Nursing Student Council and currently the News Editor of "Regina," the official university publication.

Ellaine Ellaine S. Ko, College of Nursing and Pharmacy, University of the Assumption, Philippines

Ellaine S. Ko completed her senior high school at the University of the Assumption, where she is also pursuing her degree, Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

Yna Rose Ann S. Lapuz, College of Nursing and Pharmacy, University of the Assumption, Philippines

Yna Rose Ann S. Lapuz, currently pursuing her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree at the University of the Assumption.

Lennard Jhez Perez, College of Nursing and Pharmacy, University of the Assumption, Philippines

Lennard Jhez R. Perez graduated senior high school at AMA Computer College with Honors, and he is now pursuing his Bachelor of Science in Nursing at the University of the Assumption.

Jocel O Sandoval, College of Nursing and Pharmacy, University of the Assumption, Philippines

Jocel O. Sandoval completed senior high school education at the University of the Assumption. Currently, she is passionately pursuing her dream career in Bachelor of Science in Nursing at the same institution.

Joseph Michael del Rosario Manlutac, Department of Health Philippines, Central Luzon, Philippines

Joseph Michael D. Manlutac, PD-SML, PhD, MPH, RN, FRIN, FRSPH is a consistent academic achiever who graduated high school as Valedictorian at St. Mary's Academy of Guagua, Pampanga. He is a graduate of a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Magna Cum Laude) and a holder of a Master in Public Health from the Angeles University Foundation. He also obtained his Doctor of Philosophy in Development Administration majoring in Public Governance and his Post Doctoral Studies in Strategic Management and Leadership at Philippine Christian University. Currently, he is a Program Manager at the Department of Health-Central Luzon Center for Health Development for various infectious diseases and the head of the Research Development Unit. He is also teaching undergraduate and graduate programs at the University of the Assumption, Angeles University Foundation, Trinity University of Asia, and Wesleyan University of the Philippines.