Starting out as a new nurse can be a bit of a rollercoaster, especially in those initial months on the job. No matter how much time a new nurse graduate has spent in nursing school or got hands-on experience, the real-world scenario is a whole another ballgame. And that’s why it’s common for new nurses to feel discouraged, especially if they make mistakes.

New nurses can face a number of issues, from difficulties adjusting to a new work environment to even doubting their own abilities. That’s why it’s necessary for new nurses to have someone guiding them, especially someone who has been in their shoes in the past. A good mentor can help them successfully integrate into the clinical environment, all the while contributing to a supportive nursing community.

How do mentorships in nursing work?

Typically, it is the seasoned nurse practitioners who step into the role of mentors, volunteering to guide new nurses in the workplace. These mentors take on a range of responsibilities, from guiding and advocating for new nurses to providing counseling when needed. Besides coaching and training, nurse mentors also play a crucial role in helping their mentees adapt to the clinical setting. They serve as role models, guiding and motivating new nurses to become more confident in their roles.

Benefits of mentorships in nursing

Mentorships in nursing have a butterfly effect of positive changes that begin at the individual level and get reflected on the organizational level. Mentorships facilitate continuous learning and allow nurses to develop genuine impactful relationships that can create an empowered workforce in the long run. The primary benefits of mentorships include:

Better patient care

Going through a mentorship program allows new nurses a safe space to learn and re-learn the basics through practical experiences. This helps them identify their strengths as well as spot areas they can improve in to eventually become well-rounded professionals. For the new nurses, this offers a safe space to ask questions and get better at navigating complex scenarios that can emerge throughout their career. For the experienced nurse practitioners, these can be an opportunity to brush up on their knowledge and skills though the process of teaching. Eventually all of this adds up to building an adept and effective workforce that excels at patient care.

Empowerment through motivation

Being a role model, mentors can encourage new nurses to grow into their roles as confident professionals. Good nurse leaders lead by example and emulate characteristics that get passed on to their proteges. For instance, by demonstrating patience and empathy mentors can help their mentees build important workplace skills like communication, problem solving, conflict resolution and teamwork.

Job satisfaction

Mentorships can help new nurses get better at their clinical skills, critical thinking, and decision-making capabilities. This adds to their competence, allowing them to seek professional fulfillment from their responsibilities. Mentors can also provide valuable insights that can help new nurses identify future career paths and inspire them to pursue it. The scope of career advancement can also help them to stay motivated.

A supportive community

As mentors work so closely with new nurses, it is no surprise that lifelong friendships can often stem from mentorships. Positive mentorship experiences have the ability to shape a positive work culture where nurses stand by their peers in times of need. As experienced and inexperienced nurses work collaboratively, they get an opportunity to foster a supportive relationship based on trust and mutual respect. This can be important for new nurses, especially given the demanding nature of the job. Plus, it sets a precedent for future professional relationships, playing a role in forming a tight-knit and supportive nursing community.

Networking opportunities

Mentorships can facilitate both internal and external networking opportunities. Being in the field longer, mentors already have established professional circles which they can introduce their proteges to. Mentors can also encourage their mentees to interact with other professionals within the organization which can lead to opportunities for collaboration.

Tips for fostering a positive mentor-mentee relationship

Mentorships play a crucial role in integrating proficient future professionals into the community. That’s why it’s important to make sure it’s done right. These tips can help you get a positive experience out of your mentorship while also ensuring you learn to be a proficient healthcare professional:

• Choose the right mentor: There is no cookie cutter way of going about a mentorship. Some mentors prefer a hands-on approach, engaging their mentees in day-to-day tasks, directly demonstrating procedures and guiding them through practical scenarios. On the contrary, some mentors can be more hands off, encouraging their mentees to be more proactive and think critically and solve problems independently. Choose your mentor based on their guidance approach and consider how you can imbibe the knowledge they’re imparting.
• Clarify your goals: Communicate your expectations of the mentorship right off the bat. Discuss the aspects where you think you need to be guided in and act on setting clear goals. This will help your mentor to focus their efforts in those areas while also helping you improve your skills much more efficiently.
• Act on feedback: Constructive criticism is essential for professional growth. That’s why it’s important to keep an open mind when receiving feedback. These instances give you the best opportunity to actively refine your skills. Treat your mentor’s feedback as invaluable and use it as a strategy for improvement. Act on implementing your mentor’s advice into your practice as this will not only show your adaptability but also your commitment to continuous learning.
• Show gratitude: Choosing to show your gratitude and appreciation for your mentor’s time and efforts can help in building a positive and supportive relationship between you. Simple acts, from verbally appreciating their advice to sharing thank you notes, implementing their advice or celebrating important milestones can boost morale for both of you.

Final thoughts

Mentorship can be a valuable asset to the nursing community. It can bridge the gap between experience and innovation by facilitating experienced nurses to interact with novice nurses and ensuring that the best qualities of each generation are passed on to the next. It can also contribute to a close-knit nursing community that is confident and resilient. By elevating the standards of the nursing profession by each succeeding generation, mentorships contribute to the legacy of continuous learning and excellence in nursing.