AIM: The aim of the present study was to describe nurse managers' perceptions of the provision of mentoring for newly graduated registered nurses (NGRNs) and its contribution to the work environment in a hospital setting.

BACKGROUND: Nurse managers are responsible for the work environment and for supporting the staff's professional development, which includes giving NGRNs organizational support during their introduction to the workplace. Mentorship is one common way to provide support, but there is a lack of knowledge about how nurse managers view this support.

DESIGN/METHOD: This was a qualitative descriptive study, using a semi-structured interview guide. Fifteen individual interviews with nurse managers were performed in hospital settings. The interview transcripts were analysed using qualitative content analysis. The COREQ guidelines and checklist were used.

RESULTS: The results describe the nurse managers' perceptions of the provision of mentoring in three themes: Ensuring and sustaining mentoring for new nurses' needs is a struggle in the harsh reality of healthcare, Identifying mentors who are willing and possess the necessary competence for the assignment and Promoting a secure and attractive workplace by mentoring new nurses.

CONCLUSIONS: Our study confirms that nurse managers are important in the provision of mentoring for NGRNs' learning and professional development. Mentoring has a positive spillover effect on the entire unit as a sustainable approach to securing and improving the work environment. Our study also identifies challenges for nurse managers to structure mentoring provision.

IMPLICATIONS FOR THE PROFESSION AND/OR PATIENT CARE: This study highlights the importance of investment in mentoring for the NGRNs' professional development and for patient care. Support is needed from the top level of the organization, but how mentoring should be structured and facilitated needs to be investigated further.