This study evaluated the effect of a mentoring program on reality shock, clinical adaptation, and professional competence of new graduate nurses. Participants were randomly assigned to either the intervention group, which received the mentoring program, or the control group, which did not receive any intervention. Randomization was performed using unique codes and random numbers generated via www.random.org
, ensuring allocation concealment. Outcome measures were collected at three time points: before the intervention, immediately after the intervention, and three months post-intervention.
A qualitative component was conducted using focus group interviews to explore participants' perceptions and experiences regarding the mentoring program. The qualitative data complemented the quantitative measures and provided in-depth insights into the participants' adaptation process. Participants were not informed of their group assignment, and information about the mentoring program was provided in a way that did not break the blinding.
