You’re a nursing student who wants to succeed. How can mentorship help you achieve your goals?

1 What is mentorship?

Mentorship is a relationship between a more experienced and a less experienced person, where the mentor provides guidance, support, and feedback to the mentee. Mentorship can be formal or informal, depending on the setting and the goals of the participants. In nursing, mentorship can take various forms, such as preceptorship, coaching, peer mentoring, or faculty mentoring.

2 Why is mentorship important?

Mentorship can be a great benefit to nursing students, offering insights and knowledge from someone who has experienced the challenges and opportunities of the nursing profession. It can also help to develop clinical skills, critical thinking, communication, and leadership abilities under the supervision of a mentor. Furthermore, mentorship can provide an opportunity to expand one's network and connections with other nurses, educators, and health care professionals who can support career development. It can also increase confidence, motivation, and satisfaction as a learner and a future nurse, in addition to providing emotional and moral support, encouragement, and inspiration from someone who cares about your success.

3 How to find a mentor?

Finding a mentor can be simpler than you think. To begin, you should identify what you want to learn from a mentor and the type of mentorship you are searching for. This could include help with academic performance, clinical skills, career planning, or personal growth. You can look for potential mentors in your school, workplace, or professional associations. Ask instructors, classmates, colleagues, or supervisors for recommendations or referrals. Additionally, join online communities or forums for nursing students and professionals and reach out to people who share your interests or aspirations. When approaching potential mentors, be respectful and curious. Explain why you are interested in their expertise and experience and what you hope to gain from a mentorship relationship. It is important to establish clear expectations and boundaries with your mentor. Once you find someone willing to work with you, communicate your goals, needs, and preferences. Discuss how often and how long you will meet, what topics or issues you will cover, how feedback will be given and received, and how progress will be measured. Respect your mentor's time and availability by being punctual, prepared, and professional for each meeting.

4 How to make the most of mentorship?

Mentorship is a two-way street that requires proactivity, engagement, and respect to make the most of the experience. To maximize your learning and growth, you should be open-minded and willing to learn from your mentor. Listen to their advice, insights, and stories, and ask questions to clarify or deepen your understanding. Be honest and receptive to feedback, sharing your strengths, weaknesses, successes, and challenges with your mentor. Show gratitude for their time and effort, expressing thanks verbally or in writing. Respect their opinions, values, and experiences even if they differ from yours. Be reflective and proactive by regularly evaluating your progress and setting realistic goals for yourself. Seek feedback from your mentor on how to achieve these goals and take responsibility for your learning and growth.

5 How to end a mentorship?

Mentorship is not a permanent or fixed relationship and can evolve, change, or end over time based on the needs and goals of the participants. It is possible to end a mentorship gracefully and respectfully; recognizing when it's time to do so, communicating your decision and reasons to your mentor, and celebrating your achievements while maintaining contact. When it comes to ending a mentorship, you may decide to do so when you have achieved your goals, completed your program, changed your career path, or outgrown your mentor's guidance. Alternatively, you may end a mentorship if there are conflicting expectations or styles, or if trust or respect has been lost. Whatever the reason for ending the mentorship, it is important to communicate this decision respectfully and honestly to your mentor and express your gratitude for their support and guidance. Additionally, celebrate your achievements with them and keep in touch by updating them on your progress and challenges. You may even offer to help them in any way you can. Although a mentorship may end, the relationship does not have to.