For many new nurses, the early days on the job are often among the most difficult of their careers. Most are excited to begin working in the field and putting their skills and knowledge to use, but there is also some uncertainty that often comes with taking on new roles.
Studies have found that one of the greatest determinants in whether new nurses stay in the profession is how much support and encouragement they receive from senior nurses and administrators. Retention is a significant issue in health care, and with turnover among new nurses estimated at anywhere between 22 and 60 percent per year, clearly more needs to be done to help new nurses gain their footing.
According to the Institute of Medicine, nurse mentoring programs are one of the most effective ways to not only retain nurses, but to improve the overall quality of care. As a result, many hospitals and health systems have established formal mentoring programs to pair new or less experienced nurses with more experienced nurses who can help them navigate their early careers. If you have been called upon to become a mentor, it’s up to you to provide a valuable and beneficial experience for your colleague.
What Nurses Are Looking for in a Mentor
Every mentoring relationship is unique, everyone who has a mentor expects something different from the relationship. Some people want a mentor who can serve as a sounding board and offer insight into challenges in the workplace. Others want someone who can provide constructive feedback. Still others want a helping hand climbing the company ladder.
When asked about what makes a great mentor for a nurse, there are several common themes. Among the frequently mentioned qualities for a great mentor include:
- Great communicators
- Encouraging and supportive
- Approachable and accessible
- Compassionate
- Enthusiastic
- Great sense of humor
- Excellent listener
These are just a few of the qualities mentioned, but the important takeaway is that many of the qualities that make you a great nurse are the same qualities that can make you a great mentor. Combined with your advanced knowledge of the practice of nursing (most nurse mentors are either educators or leaders with an advanced degree in nursing), your passion and enthusiasm for the practice of nursing can make you an excellent role model and inspiration for new nurses.
Putting It Into Practice
Knowing what nurses are looking for in their mentors is only the first step to becoming a great mentor. The real challenge is putting these desires into practice. To ensure that you both get the most from the relationship, make mentoring a priority and take the relationship seriously. This includes:
Scheduling time to meet. Busy schedules and competing demands can make regular meetings a challenge, but checking in frequently is the cornerstone of a successful mentoring relationship. Schedule meeting times, and treat those meetings as you would any other important appointment. Make a point of checking in frequently as well; a quick email or encouraging text can make a big difference in someone’s day and help keep the lines of communication open.
Challenge your protégé. Meetings with your mentee shouldn’t just be venting sessions (although allowing a certain amount of venting can be healthy.) Encourage your protégé to stretch beyond his or her comfort zone by issuing assignments or challenges. Challenges might be to try a different approach to working with a prickly co-worker, for instance, or to ask their supervisor for new responsibilities. As you get to know your mentee, you’ll begin to identify patterns, and your challenges can help them grow beyond their current position and excel.
Hear what your protégé is saying. Active listening requires you to stay in tune to the speaker and focus on not only their words, but what they are communicating without words. Learn to recognize nonverbal cues that belie the words being used, and be sensitive to the signs of apprehension, fear, frustration, and anxiety. Seek clarification — sometimes, a simple “So what I am hearing is . . .” and your interpretation can bring issues to light that even the nurse doesn’t realize.
Be consistent. Great mentors are those who are well respected, and take their roles seriously. If you are going to talk the talk, you have to walk the walk. Don’t give your mentee advice that you don’t follow, or behave contradictory to how you’re recommending someone else behave.
Helping someone else succeed in their career goals can be one of the most fulfilling experiences you will ever have in your career. If you’re tapped to be a mentor, commit to being a great one — you might even save someone from leaving the field too soon.
