Now more than ever, the nursing profession needs nurse mentors. In a recent survey by McKinsey & Company, 32% of nurses said they might soon leave their current direct patient-care position. With this many nurses potentially exiting from their jobs, experienced nurses must pass on their knowledge and skills to other nurses who will replace them.
Regardless of whether you're a CNA, LPN, or RN, you have valuable experience and can make a significant contribution in helping new nurses and staff feel welcome and like they're important members of the healthcare team.
What is nurse mentorship?
Nurse mentorship is defined as an organized plan in which a nurse with more experience and knowledge (the mentor) acts as a supportive role model and guide for another nurse or nursing student with less experience and expertise (the mentee).
The mentor assists the mentee by supervising and encouraging self-reflection and learning to help enhance the less experienced nurse's professional and personal development. The mentor and mentee agree to build a partnership and work together to achieve mutually agreed-upon goals that will benefit the newer nurse's knowledge, abilities, skills, and thinking.
Why is nurse mentorship important?
Starting a new career or a new job is easier when you have someone who can show you the ropes and help you avoid potential pitfalls. That's what a mentor does. For example, a nurse mentor can help a novice nurse learn the essentials of nursing practice, develop their skills, and grow into their new role. Nurse mentorship can also help increase career satisfaction for both the mentor and mentee and decrease nursing turnover rates.
Nurse mentors also offer guidance and advice on career choices, clinical issues, and networking opportunities. In addition, mentorship programs can help foster a sense of community and peer support among nurses, creating a strong sense of teamwork. Ultimately, nurse mentors make a valuable contribution to the nursing profession, and new nurses greatly appreciate their direction and expertise.
Ultimately, nurse mentorships are beneficial for both the mentee and the mentor. Mentees get the support they need to transition into their new role, and mentors get the satisfaction of helping someone else grow and learn. So it’s a win-win for both nurses.
Who can be a nurse mentor?
As a nurse, you know your nursing education doesn’t end when you graduate from a nursing program. In fact, that’s often the point when your professional development really begins as a nurse. That's why having a mentor is so important in nursing. A mentor can help you learn and grow in your new career and can be a valuable resource for networking and finding jobs.
So who makes a good nurse mentor? Anyone who has been a nurse for a while and is passionate about their career can make a great mentor. The most effective mentors are patient and supportive and are always willing to share their knowledge and experience with others.
If you're looking for a mentor or want to become a mentor yourself, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, it's essential to find someone who is compatible with you. You should feel comfortable talking to your mentor and be able to trust them. Also, your mentor must have the time and resources required to mentor you.
What are the qualities of a good mentor?
Not everyone is cut out to be a mentor. However, the best mentors have certain personality traits that make them ideal for the job. Here are some characteristics to look for in a mentor:
Positivity:
This is the ability to stay optimistic and undeterred when it comes to one's duty as a nurse.
Tolerance:
The willingness to accept people from all walks of life.
Patience:
The ability to remain composed and focused when faced with adversity.
Insight:
The ability to assess situations and offer practical solutions or recommendations.
Clarity:
The ability to express facts and advice clearly and concisely.
Commitment:
Have a genuine commitment to the nursing profession and their role as a nurse mentor.
What skills are required to be a nurse mentor?
Some crucial skills are required to be an effective mentor. First of all, knowledge of nursing is critical, as mentors must be able to guide and support new nurses in their practice. Communication skills are also essential, as mentors must be able to communicate effectively with their mentees, provide feedback, and offer support. Problem-solving and decision-making skills are also required for handling difficult situations that may arise. Finally, a nurse mentor must be patient, empathetic, and supportive to create a positive relationship with their mentee.
What are the benefits of being a nurse mentor?
The benefits of being a nurse mentor are many. First and foremost, nurse mentors have the opportunity to support and guide novice nurses, helping them navigate the often-challenging world of nursing. As an experienced nurse mentor, you’re able to share your knowledge and expertise with less experienced nurses and staff. And as a new nurse, you may be asked to work with and mentor nursing students who are still in nursing school—something you can easily relate to.
Here are 4 ways you can benefit from being a mentor. You will:
1. Have a positive impact on the mentee and their practice.
2. Receive personal satisfaction from giving back to the profession and helping a fellow nurse.
3. Feel like you're helping improve how your workplace and organization functions.
4. Contribute to your own professional development by expanding your knowledge and skills, potentially increasing your salary, receiving a promotion, and/or gaining respect where you work.
How can a nursing mentor help you?
If you're new to the nursing profession and just landed your first job, don't worry. Your time to be a mentor will come soon enough. But, right now, it's essential as a new nurse to find an experienced nurse you can look up to and trust who's willing to take you under their wing to help make the transition to your new job easier.
If you're unsure who to seek out as a mentor and there's no formal nurse mentoring program where you work, don't hesitate to approach your manager, supervisor, or nurse educator and ask if they can recommend a nurse who might be a good mentor.
Having a supportive mentor can make all the difference between a successful start to your career and a slower struggle to learn what it’s like to be a nurse on the frontline.
Here’s how a mentor can help you:
Give advice:
Your mentor will be more knowledgeable about a particular nursing area than you are. Because of this, they can provide you with valuable information and guidance to help you avoid mistakes, ensuring you're more successful.
Help build your confidence:
Besides helping you avoid mistakes, a mentor is there to cheer you on and let you know when you’re doing well. This can be a significant confidence booster as you reflect on your practice, especially if you tend to be hard on yourself.
Provide emotional support:
Having someone who will listen to you can be invaluable when you just need to vent or have someone validate how you feel because they’ve been in your shoes.
Help you solve problems:
Trying to achieve work/life balance can be especially tough in nursing. Your mentor has more experience in this area than you do and is a good person to talk to if you need some ideas to help you strike the balance you’re looking for.
Guide you in your career:
Mentors can help you network, interact with other healthcare professionals, and uncover job prospects while offering career guidance. For example, your nurse mentor can help you steer your nursing career in the direction you desire because they’re more knowledgeable about your nursing field.
How do I find a nurse mentor?
Finding a nurse mentor can be a daunting task, but it’s well worth the effort. A good mentor can help you learn the ropes of the nursing profession and provide support and advice when needed. Here are a few tips on how to find a good nurse mentor:
1. Ask around.
Talk to your colleagues, friends, and family members to see if they know of any experienced nurses who might be willing to mentor you.
2. Check with your nursing school or alma mater.
Many schools have programs that pair current students with alumni mentors.
3. Utilize social media.
For example, use LinkedIn or Facebook to connect with nurses in your area who might be willing to mentor you.
4. Attend nursing conferences and events.
These are great opportunities to network with experienced nurses who might be willing to mentor you.
5. Reach out to your local chapter of the American Nurses Association (ANA).
The ANA can connect you with experienced nurses in your area who are eager to mentor new nurses.
The most important thing to remember when seeking out a mentor is to be patient and persistent. It may take some time to find the right person, but the effort will be well worth it.
Tips for a successful mentorship in nursing
If you’re going to invest time being a mentor or having someone mentor you, you want to make sure that is time well spent. Here are some characteristics that make a mentorship successful:
1. Open communication and accessibility
Be open and honest. For your mentor to be most helpful, you need to be open about your challenges and honest about your progress. Likewise, your mentor must be accessible to guide you, answer your questions, and give you feedback.
2. Goals and challenges
Be clear about your goals before getting started. Make sure you and your mentor are on the same page about what you hope to achieve through the mentorship. Talk about your challenges and what you want to learn.
3. Passion and inspiration
A good mentor is passionate about their work and wants to see you succeed. Therefore, they should be able to inspire you to reach your potential.
4. Caring personal relationship
A mentor should be someone you can trust and who genuinely cares about your professional development. Similarly, the mentee should show appreciation and respect for the mentor's time and advice.
5. Mutual respect and trust
Mutual respect and trust between the mentor and mentee are essential for success in the mentoring relationship.
6. Exchange of knowledge
The mentorship should be a two-way street, with both mentor and mentee sharing their knowledge and experiences.
7. Independence and collaboration
A successful mentorship allows the mentee to become more independent in their practice and work collaboratively with others.
8. Role modeling
A good mentor will act as a role model, setting an example for the mentee to follow.
If you’re wondering how to make a lasting contribution to the nursing profession, consider being a mentor. Nursing mentorship is a great way to guide and support the next generation of nurses while enhancing your own professional development. And if you’re a new nurse or starting a new position, don’t hesitate to reach out and look for a mentor to help you. Nursing is a demanding profession. Having a mentor can help you navigate the challenges resulting in a more satisfying and successful nursing career.
About the author
Leona Werezak MN, BSN, RN
Leona Werezak MN, BSN, RN has worked as a nurse in a variety of positions at the bedside for 13 years and as a nurse manager. From there, she began teaching nursing in BSN programs for the next 20 years.