title: Public health nurse mentorship of pregnant and parenting adolescents.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study explored the experience of the mentoring relationship for public health nurses (PHNs) and teen parents.
  
  
  METHODS
  PHNs and teen parents who participated in the Parenting and Teen Program provided qualitative data about mentorship provided by PHNs.
  
  
  METHODS
  The participants were asked open-ended questions that addressed interactions; meaning of success for the teen; and support, information given, and decisions made in the context of the mentoring relationship.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Data analysis of the PHN (n = 7) data revealed eight mentorship themes: (1) being nonjudgmental, (2) working with strengths, (3) meeting the teens where they were, (4) sticking with the teen, (5) honoring persons, (6) giving information, (7) making referrals, and (8) facilitating decisions. Analysis of the teen data (n = 11) resulted in four mentorship themes: (1) trustworthiness of the PHN, (2) the PHN as part of their support network, (3) independence building, and (4) help with decision making.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Parenting teens viewed PHNs as contributing to their success in managing their lives and becoming successful parents. They viewed PHNs as trustworthy, supportive, encouraging their independence, and facilitating positive decision making.
authors: Professor of Nursing, Bethel University, St. Paul, Minnesota.
authors: Marjorie A
authors: MA
authors: Schaffer
authors: Ngozi
authors: N
authors: Mbibi
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001294:Attitude to Health; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008611:Mentors / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008875:Middle Aged; D064689:Nurses, Public Health / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D015403:Nursing Evaluation Research; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D016487:Parenting; D011247:Pregnancy; D011253:Pregnancy in Adolescence; D036301:Qualitative Research; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: maternal-child health; mentoring; parenting; public health nursing practice; qualitative research