Congratulations! You have been obedient to God's call on your life and graduated (or almost graduated) from nursing school with your degree. Not only that, you may have acquired your first job in a new role!
The successful nurse will seek a mentor for present and future roles. Likewise, you may serve as a mentor to another nurse who is new to a position in the future. Some organizations have official mentoring programs, while others do not.
If you are like me, you are both excited and a little nervous! Never fear! Most employers will provide you with an orientation period as well as a "preceptor." This individual enjoys the process of helping new employees and will walk with you during your role transition. A preceptor is basically a tutor, instructor, and teacher. This is a bit different than a mentor.
Mentoring gives new members someone to ask questions of and grow professionally without risking their reputation or career.[1] Mentoring provides a warm, compassionate, and safe environment and is a means of discussing and reflecting on work-related issues.
I realized I needed a mentor right away. A busy critical care unit sometimes means your preceptor is busy. After you leave, you think of things but are afraid to ask for fear you will look incompetent. I began to pray for someone to mentor me. Thankfully, God provided a nurse on the unit who was a mentor, as well as a Christian. She answered questions and advised, encouraged, and steered me into new experiences that enhanced my strengths and contributed to my professional and spiritual growth.
As I went into management and then teaching, I realized I felt unsure of each role. In each case, I prayed for and chose someone who had experience in my current position or in future employment positions. I continue today—as a DNP graduate and nurse educator—to have a mentor. I also mentor other new members through their new role in nursing.
Here is a list of what to look for:
- Experience in the role for which you aspire now and in the future
- Has a passion for mentoring
- Is a good role model
- Encourages, points out areas for improvement and growth, shares own experiences
- Is approachable, accessible, and a good listener who keeps confidentiality
- Networks in the organization and helps you develop experiences to increase your professional growth
- Is spiritually compatible and committed to their faith
So, go forward prayerfully with excitement. God has called you for "such a time as this." (Esther 4:14, NIV). He will empower and walk with you. And, before you know it, he will call you to mentor! Be open and ready to serve.
[1] Jenkins, S. (2013). David Clutterbuck, mentoring and coaching. International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching, 8(1), 139–153. doi: 10.1260/1747-9541.8.1.139