The role of mediator nurses supporting residents and their evaluation by residents

Abstract

Since March 2014, part-time nurses who were re-employed in this hospital have been working as mediators to support residents. The aim of this study is to clarify the role of mediator nurses and to evaluate them by residents. Analysis of work records compiled by mediator nurses suggests that they assume full responsibility for the functions of observation, guidance, listening, sympathy, approval, and management. According to the results of a survey by residents, mediator nurses were vital as counselors for the general life of residents. The evaluations of the support for residents which were provided by mediator nurses were mostly positive. Residents evaluated mediator nurses centering on their mentoring functions such as guidance, educational function, acceptance, and support function, but little on their role-model functions as mediator nurses. From the above, it has been shown that the incorporation of mediator nurses to support residents is a positive function.