Date of Graduation

Spring 2026

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Department

Nursing

Committee Chairperson

Cheryl D. Schlamb DNP, CRNP

Committee Member

Michelle Ferrant DNP, ACCNS-N, RNC-NIC

Committee Member

Jacquelyn Owens, DNP, CRNP, FNP-BC

Abstract

The complex environment of neonatal intensive care requires a skilled, engaged nursing workforce to maintain high‑quality outcomes. Structured mentorship is an evidence‑based strategy shown to enhance professional engagement and support improved clinical outcomes. This Doctor of Nursing Practice quality improvement project aimed to evaluate the impact of a structured clinical mentorship program on evidence‑based practice beliefs, nurse engagement, and selected neonatal outcomes in a Level III academic intensive care nursery.

Guided by the Donabedian model, the project evaluated structure through mentorship design and preparation, process through mentor–mentee interactions and workflow integration, and outcomes through nursing and patient metrics. Lewin’s change theory supported implementation and sustainability. Twenty‑three nurses participated, including fifteen mentees and eight mentors. Changes in evidence‑based practice beliefs and engagement were measured using validated pre‑ and post‑intervention instruments. Neonatal outcomes examined in the project included time to antibiotics for suspected sepsis, time to first skin‑to‑skin contact, and central line–associated bloodstream infection rates.

Results demonstrated strengthened evidence‑based practice beliefs and improved nurse engagement following participation in the mentorship program. Neonatal clinical metrics remained stable with favorable directional trends. Findings support structured mentorship as a workforce development strategy with potential to promote professional growth, nursing engagement, and high‑quality neonatal care

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