MENTORSHIP FOR THE NEW NURSE PRACTITIONER

Below, I discuss why mentorship is important for new nurse practitioners during their first year of practice as they transition into their new role of provider of care. I have also included the references I used while compiling this information. Enjoy!

WHO:  NEW NURSE PRACTITIONERS

WHAT: 

• Mentorship is defined as an intense relationship between a novice and an expert to promote role socialization and ultimately role success of the novice.
• Mentorship creates a supportive environment to advance the new nurse practitioner’s learning and fill the gap between didactic information and real-world experience.

WHY:

• Transitioning from student to NP is a stressful time for new graduates.
• Working with a mentor is an effective strategy to ease the stress and anxiety experienced during the first year of NP practice.
• New graduate NP’s often believe that they must be completely independent with patient management.
• NP programs often do not provide sufficient opportunities for transition into the NP role.
• The responsibility of making health decisions for their patients is a common stressor for the new NP.
• Maintaining a nursing focus while integrating the roles of clinician can be a difficult process for new NP’s

BENEFITS:

• Outcomes of effective mentoring can impact job satisfaction, retention, and more effective patient care.
• A mentoring relationship enhances the development of the new NP’s knowledge and clinical skills.
• Mentee benefits from nurturing, protection, and opportunity for growth and advancement.
• Mentorship can be a source of support and knowledge

ROLE OF MENTOR:

• Should be an expert in their field
• Should be enthusiastic, approachable, patient, and available to the mentee
• Is able to create a supportive environment
• Can facilitate growth and development
• Shows genuine interest in the mentee
• Has confidence in the mentee’s abilities
• Provides constructive feedback

ROLE OF MENTEE:

• Must be open and honest about the characteristic they want in their mentor
• Enthusiastic and willing to learn and be challenged.
• Must communicate openly and honestly
• Should show an appreciation for the knowledge they gain from mentor
• Possesses critical thinking skills
• Responsive to feedback and guidance

MENTORING RELATIONSHIP:

• Based on an atmosphere of learning
• Open to new perspectives and expanding knowledge
• Committed to developing an effective mentoring relationship
• Effective communication
• Honest feedback
• Mutual respect and friendship

E.F. Hayes. (2005). Approaches to mentoring: How to mentor and be mentored. Journal of the   American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, 17(11), 442-445.

Hill, L.A. & Sawatzky, J.V. (2011). Transitioning into the nurse practitioner role through mentorship.Journal of Professional Nursing, 27, 161-167.

Wolak, E., McCann, M., Queen, S., Madigan, C., & Letvak, S. (2009). Perception within a        mentorship program. Clinical Nurse Specialist, 23(2), 61-67..