Ruth Robbio

York University, Faculty of Health, Canada

Abstract Title:E-Mentoring Program: Partnering Graduate and Undergraduate Nursing Students 2.0 - Curriculum Intervention

Biography: Dr. Ruth Robbio is an Associate Professor in the Teaching Stream at York University. She has extensive teaching and mentoring research experience. Her doctoral research study, completed at the University of Toronto, was on E-mentoring as a socialization strategy for new graduate nurse role transition and workplace adjustment. Dr. Robbio was acknowledged for her leadership with Faculty Mentoring Circles and her research was profiled in the article E-mentoring a success for nursing students. She is currently leading the research study: E-Mentoring Program: Partnering Graduate and Undergraduate Nursing Students 2.0 - Curricular Implementation, in the School of Nursing at York University.

Research Interest: This mixed methods study builds on Dr. Robbio’s doctoral mentoring research work confirming the difficulties new graduate nurses face during their transition to professional practice and provides evidence that there is a need for transitional support. New graduate nurses are leaving the profession in alarming numbers. To explore possibilities towards better healthcare for all, an e-mentoring intervention may be a viable strategy to support new graduate nurse transition and ultimately promote the sustainability of the nursing profession. This study will examine a 12-week e-mentoring program/intervention pairing graduate and undergraduate nursing students to explore mentoring as a socialization strategy. Program goals are to augment e-mentee psychosocial support systems and well-being, provide opportunities for professional networking, debriefing and career support and enhance e-mentor mentoring skills and interpersonal communication through participation in the program. This study will assess e-mentoring intervention feasibility and satisfaction using a Post-Program Satisfaction Survey. Additionally, e-mentees will complete a Pre and Post-Program Reflection Assignment in a Leadership, Change and Innovation Course. The E-Mentoring Program will promote e-learning and experiential education within the curriculum. The program will also advance United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) #3: “Good Health and Well-being” by promoting mental health and student partnerships for success and SDG #4 “Quality Education” as students will acquire knowledge and skills to support health and global citizenship.