Going from the classroom to your first days on the job in any profession can be exciting and a little nerve-wracking. As a new nurse, finding and making the most of mentor relationships with experienced colleagues can offer the support you need to handle your new role with confidence.
Healthcare facilities will often pair a new nurse with a mentor nurse, who is experienced and knowledgeable. The mentor can help the new nurse navigate new roles and develop valuable skills. If you’re a new nurse, take advantage of your mentor relationships by focusing on these five benefits:
- Better Patient Care
Stress can impact anyone’s job performance, and for new nurses that can translate into poorer patient outcomes. A mentor nurse often shadows a new nurse for the first weeks on the job, and then serves as a sounding board and advisor going forward. Having someone who can provide on-the-job advice can help a new nurse improve the care they can give patients - both in the beginning and throughout their career. - Support
The first year on a new job can be the most challenging for many new nurses. A mentor can provide a new nurse with advice and guidance, learned from experience, to help them avoid making mistakes. Mentors can also acknowledge when a new nurse is doing something well to help them build their confidence. In addition, mentors can help new nurses adapt to their role and better understand the culture within the facility. - Career Advice
New nurses may not fully understand the career path that is available within their role or their specific healthcare facility. A mentor can answer questions, make suggestions on steps to take to develop new skills, introduce the new nurse to a broader network, and share advice on how healthcare systems work. This insight can help a new nurse make the right choices for growing their career. - Work/Life Balance
New nurses may find that they have difficulty balancing their personal and professional life. Shifts are often long, and a new nurse needs to develop a routine. A nurse mentor can lend a sympathetic ear, offer tips and share how they addressed their own challenges. Having someone to listen may be all you need to get through this period of adjustment. - Leadership Development
Nurses who feel valued by their employer may be more likely to stay and grow within the organization and share feedback that can improve practices. Mentors can help new nurses find their voices and take steps that can make a difference by becoming a leader in their department and in the facility.
Nursing is a career where plenty of support is available for new members. If you’re considering becoming a nurse, get started with a Fortis nursing education. Click here for more information or call us today at (855) 436-7847 and speak to one of our career counselors.