New Grads
The Power of Nurse Mentors
I was so hoping my nursing instructor was just around the corner with her pearls of wisdom as I went through my first day taking care of an ICU patient as a new graduate nurse. Instead, what I discovered were 2 wonderful nurses who took me under their wings and gave me the support and encouragement I so needed. They were my mentors. I valued their clinical expertise and calming demeanor. Their devotion to me during that time was the greatest gift a new nurse could receive. They not only touched my life but also all the patients that I have since cared for.During your first couple weeks of employment look around at the nurses on the unit to find either one or two that role model the type of nurse you envisioned someday you will be. It may be their caring approach, theoretical knowledge base or the consummate professionalism they display that you want to emulate. Some units will already have nurses designated as mentors, others will not. If your unit does not - do not be afraid to ask that nurse if they would be willing to help you through the transition from nursing school to the “real world.” Let them know what you have seen in them that you appreciate. Your willingness to learn and eagerness to be part of the unit will spur them on to be your mentor. Having a mentor will help your confidence, skills and professional growth. A saying provided by the LAMPlighter Mentoring Program I was a part of in 2005 was: “Like a forest that grows from a single seed, mentors recognize that by nurturing one’s person’s life, they will affect the lives of many.”
April 26th, 2008, by Dianna