Developing leadership in postdoctoral nurses: A longitudinal mixed-methods study

Background: Postdoctoral nurses have an important role in advancing nursing by generating knowledge and building networks in research, practice, and education which requires effective leadership. Therefore, the Leadership Mentoring in Nursing Research programme for postdoctoral nurses was developed. Purpose: This study was to evaluate expectations, experiences, and perceived influence of the leadership mentoring programme on leadership and professional development, professional identity, and research productivity of postdoctoral nurses. Methods: A longitudinal mixed-method study with a concurrent triangulation design was used with data collected through semistructured interviews and online surveys. Findings: The leadership mentoring programme was found to be valuable by the participants who described strengthened leadership and professional development and development of professional identities. Participants showed increased research productivity and many moved to new/higher positions. Discussion: The leadership mentoring programme was found to enhance the leadership and professional development of postdoctoral nurses and support them in their academic careers.