The Importance of Nurse Mentorship

Starting your nursing career can be intimidating and overwhelming. After all, you can learn only so many things from studying books and taking tests. True knowledge comes from years of experience in the field, something you don’t have when you’re first starting out.  

You could spend years gathering your own knowledge of the field, and you will, but why not use something that will give you a boost in knowledge and confidence from the get-go? 

Enter your new nurse mentor. Mentorship programs are designed to help you grow in your field and provide structure as you begin to plunge into your career. They are meant to be supportive, dynamic, and mutually beneficial. 

Nurse mentorships can help you: 

• Feel satisfied in your role 

• Expand your professional network 

• Discover career development opportunities 

• Reduce stress 

• And more 

Your mentor/mentee relationship can be formal or informal, but should have: 

• Trust and reliability 

• Encouragement 

• Goals for your career 

• Availability for open discussions as needed  

Finding a nurse mentor is easier than you may think. While some mentor/mentee relationships may develop naturally, there are often internal formal programs offered by facilities or externally through various nursing associations.  

Although having a nurse mentor is not necessary, it can have a huge impact on you and your nursing career.