title: Application of Heideggerian phenomenology to mentorship of nursing students.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To discuss interpretations of the lived experience of mentoring based on Heidegger's concept of dasein. The focus is on one main theme identified in an in-depth study of the lived experience of nurses mentoring students in their workplace: a world of hope for the nursing profession.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  This article focuses on dasein's 'existence', which is temporally aligned with having a future. Data relating to this theme are presented and interpreted with respect to the temporal aspect of dasein pertaining to 'having a future' and the Heideggerian existentials of existence and verstehen (understanding).
  
  
  METHODS
  The research design was based on hermeneutic phenomenology, exploring the mentors' 'being'.
  
  
  METHODS
  Data were gathered during 2008 through hermeneutic interviews, event diaries and participant drawings. Analysis occurred through sustained hermeneutic engagement with the data and application of an interpretive lens provided by Heidegger's care structure.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Three sub-themes are identified: 'being a gatekeeper', 'sustaining a professional will', and 'passing on the special things'.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Mentors can and need to engage on a deep personal level with their students if they are to intervene appropriately as gatekeepers to the profession.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Health & Social Care, The Open University, Milton Keynes, UK.
authors.forename: Anthea M E
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Wilson
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D004506:Education, Nursing / Q000379:methods; D004645:Empathy; D004739:England; D005086:Existentialism; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008611:Mentors / Q000523:psychology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010687:Philosophy, Nursing; D013338:Students, Nursing / Q000523:psychology*; D017132:Workplace / Q000523:psychology*
keywords: Heidegger; compassion; emotional labour; mentorship; nurse education; phenomenology; professional will; workplace learning