The Journal of Continuing Education in Nursing
Vol. 39 No. 9 September 2008
By Louise C. Miller, PhD, RN; Susan W. Devaney, EdD, APRN, BC; Glenda L. Kelly, MSN, RN; Alice F. Kuehn, PhD, RNC, FNP/GNP
ABSTRACT
Attrition in the public health nursing work force combined with a lack of faculty to teach public health prompted development of a “long-distance” learning project. Practicing associate degree nurses enrolled in an online course in population-based practice worked with experienced public health nurse “e-mentors.” Student-mentor pairs worked through course assignments, shared public health nursing experiences, and problem-solved real-time public health issues. Nursing faculty served as coordinators for student learning and mentor support. Over 3 years, 38 student-mentor pairs participated in the project. Students reported they valued the expertise and guidance of their mentors. Likewise, mentors gained confidence in their practice and abilities to mentor. Issues related to distance learning and e-mentoring centered around use of technology and adequate time to communicate with one another. E-mentoring is a viable strategy to connect nurses to a learning, sharing environment while crossing the barriers of distance, agency isolation, and busy schedules.
J Contin Educ Nurs 2008;39(9):394-399.
AUTHORS
Dr. Miller is Associate Teaching Professor, Dr. Devaney is Nurse Consultant, and Dr. Kuehn is Associate Professor Emeritus, University of Missouri, Columbia. Ms. Kelly is former Public Health Nursing Liaison, Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, and Instructor in Clinical Nursing, University of Missouri, Columbia.
The authors disclose that they have no significant financial interests in any product or class of products discussed directly or indirectly in this activity, including research support.
Address correspondence to Louise C. Miller, PhD, RN, S324a School of Nursing Building, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211.
