Where Are Mentors Found ? In truth , mentors are everywhere . They are found in schools , hospitals , community centers , associations , businesses , volunteer organizations , religious centers , legislative-political arenas , and online platforms . Networking is the key to finding mentors ; it is an essential mentoring tool ( Vance , 2011 ). It is a cornerstone , the way to career success . Networking is establishing relationships to make things happen . Face-to-face connections , group memberships , and virtual networks are all vehicles for forming relationships with potential mentors .
A networking powerhouse of experienced mentors resides in nursing and non-nursing professional associations . Many national associations and their local chapters have created robust programs that match mentor-leaders with interested nurses and offer excellent learning and career opportunities . These expert leaders represent multiple specialty areas and can open doors , inspire , and motivate novice nurses . Joining associations and assuming beginning leadership roles provide powerful networking opportunities . The NSNA Career Center trains faculty during annual conventions and mid-year conferences to be effective mentors for students .
Long-distance national and global networking is also possible through virtual connections . The size and power of your network will depend on your desire , energy , and drive to connect . Being strategic and creative in building professional networks will put you on the path to finding mentors vital to your career success and satisfaction .
Mentoring in Crisis and Change Nurses face enormous challenges in the current pandemic crisis . The clinical milieu is chaotic . Many leaders believe that an unprecedented crisis exists in health care and the work force in general . It has been estimated that one in five nurses has left the profession in the past two years and that there is a pending nurse shortage . Many experienced nurses are leaving the profession or retiring early . Nurses are resigning from their home workplaces , lured by higher salaries as travel nurses in temporary positions . Preceptor burnout is also diminishing the pool of experienced preceptors for new hires . Orientation , internships , and residency programs for new graduates are reportedly being shortened or are non-existent .
Crisis and change present both danger and opportunity . The danger of the current upheaval is the difficulty pivoting to new ways of solving serious problems in health and hospital care — for example , nurse recruitment and retention activities . Changes in data-based problem solving will be essential .
Opportunity also exists to reimagine strategies that value the integrity , safety , and complexity of nurses ’ work . Leaders must create work environments that respect , support , and appropriately compensate nurses ’ work . Stemming the crisis will require major action by various stakeholders . Initiatives by the U . S . Congress , state legislatures , hospital employers , and business and economic sectors are beginning , including grants and funding support for workforce retention , mental health services , nurse residency programs . and faculty education .
Action Tips to Transform the Mentor Connection The mentor connection requires transformation to meet changing demands and responsibilities of professional practice . Novice nurses face new obligations , challenges , and opportunities . Novices must be proactive in expecting and receiving mentoring support to protect their work and careers . Leaders must find new ways to provide essential guidance .
Action Tips for New Graduates : Search for hospitals and organizations that invest in nurses ’ professional development and career progression . Seek employment at Magnet Hospitals that have a professional practice model in place . In job interviews , inquire about nurse : patient staffing guidelines , structure of nursing orientation and residency programs , presence of onsite and continuing educational programs , and tuition support for advanced education . Look for a competitive compensation package . Initiate contacts with former clinical faculty and preceptors for guidance on the right fit for your beginning practice . Be proactive in seeking mentors , including peers . Move outside your immediate circle to network with people in diverse fields . Connect with a leader in a specialty area of interest for advice and information . Join professional associations and meet potential mentors .
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