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Do you remember what you felt like when you were a new nurse,
just starting out after graduating? Did you ever long for
a more experienced nurse to talk with about your new experiences
and feelings? Maybe you were fortunate to have another nurse
take you “under their wing” and you know the
value of that relationship. Have you ever considered being
a mentor to a new nurse?
Mentoring is an important role. It is coming alongside someone
and helping them in their growth both professionally and
personally. This guide is designed to help you – as
a nurse – mentor a less experienced nurse or student.
Even though nurse mentoring relationships are being shown
to be very effective, many shy away when they hear the word “mentor”.
They may not feel qualified to fill the role. It is important
to remember, a mentor is NOT someone with all the answers.
| Being a mentor can include: |
| • |
An understanding of what it is like to
be a less experienced nurse (someone who has been there
themselves), and has some experience |
| • |
The desire to provide support for and have a relationship
with a less experienced nurse as they grow and develop
in their role |
| • |
Someone willing to actively listen – being a “sounding
board” |
| • |
Gifts and roles may include encouragement, prayer,
troubleshooting, problem solving, discernment and shepherding |
| • |
Someone who affirms and challenges you to grow |
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| An acronym, (created by NCF staff and used
with nursing students), that may help you in a mentoring
role is “CST”. |
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C = Come along side |
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S = See what God is doing |
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T = Take the next step |
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| “Coming
along side” involves getting to know each other,
both personally and professionally. |
| |
Find a comfortable place to
meet and talk. Some starter questions can include: |
| |
• |
Tell me a little about yourself and your
family |
| |
• |
What drew you to nursing? |
| |
• |
What do you enjoy most about your current nursing position? |
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What is the most challenging thing you face in your
current position? |
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What are your long and short term goals? |
“Seeing what God is doing” involves
learning where the mentee is in their spiritual journey.
Ask them
to share their salvation story. Discover how God is working
through their life circumstances. Discuss what areas they
are facing challenges in.
“Taking the next step” can involve praying together,
encouragement, reflecting on how to approach a problem, brainstorming
solutions, making a plan and evaluating together.
There are many common issues that new nurses face. Here
are a few that may come up or that you may want to explore
together:
| Personal |
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Stress Management |
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Setting Boundaries; finding balance between work and
downtime |
| Professional |
| |
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Culture Shock. Often a new nurse starts with an idealistic/”honeymoon” period.
This can be followed by being overwhelmed by increased
workload, less patient time than desired, unit/office
politics, fear of making mistakes, etc. |
| |
• |
Time management |
| |
• |
Dealing with difficult “firsts” – like
the first death of a patient |
| Spiritual |
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If they have relocated for a job, have they found a
church or place to get spiritual input |
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Dealing with working on Sundays |
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Ethical issues at work |
Above all, a mentor prays for their mentee, for wisdom and
for the relationship to grow. Let God be your ultimate guide.
|
Nurses
Christian Fellowship
Print
guide in pdf
