Mentorship Experiences and Perceptions of Didactic Program in Dietetics Students. Issue 1 (January 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Patten, Emily Vaterlaus; Bellini, Sarah Gunnell; Meier, Amanda; Earl, Kaitlin
• Is Part Of: Topics in clinical nutrition. Volume 36:Issue 1(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-01
• Subjects: dietetics education -- dietetics pipeline -- dietetics professional development -- mentoring; Nutrition -- Periodicals; Diet therapy -- Periodicals; Children -- Nutrition -- Periodicals; 613.2
• DOI: 10.1097/TIN.0000000000000229
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1550-5146

Abstract

Abstract : This study explored dietetics students' experiences and perceptions of mentoring. A survey was developed, piloted, and then distributed to dietetics students in the United States. Descriptive statistics were calculated, and open-ended data were analyzed using a conventional line-by-line content analysis approach. Students (n = 611) representing 69 dietetics programs completed the survey. Most (58%) cited a "professor or instructor" as their mentor, and only 20% reported no mentor. Themes that emerged from open-ended responses are the mentor, the process, and relationship expectations. Mentoring perceptions and experiences of students can guide educators and practitioners in supporting the pipeline of professionals.