From
MENTEE
to
MENTOR
By: Kirsten Swanson
Shakirah Sayfullah '15/'18 knows firsthand how important a strong support system is to
a college student. While enrolled in Gwynedd Mercy University’s Associate of Science
in Nursing Program, Shakirah relied on the on-campus resources to get her through the
challenging courses.
“I believe that GMercyU’s professors make a difference. They
really show they care, especially when you’re struggling,”
Shakirah said. “The Academic Resource Center also helped me
when I was struggling.”
She soon realized, however, that not all
nursing students have that built-in support
system, especially after they graduate and
begin their careers.
Shakirah was offered a nursing assistant
position at Chestnut Hill Hospital while
doing her clinicals with the promise
of a nursing position once she passed
her boards. After earning her ASN,
Shakirah passed her boards on the first
try and started working as a nurse on the
Progressive Care Unit at Chestnut Hill
Hospital. Shortly after, she enrolled in
GMercyU’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing
program.
TODAY
“I’ve always wanted to bring the Philadelphia nurses together.
It was an all-woman event so we can
empower and uplift each other. I decided to
do it every year,” Shakirah said.
“ I believe that
GMercyU’s
professors make
a difference.
They really
show they
care, especially
when you’re
struggling. ”
It was during this time she began mentoring
nursing students and building a community on social media.
Shakirah also organized the First Annual Nurse Empowerment
Brunch for female nurses and nursing students in May 2019.
16
The event featured guest speakers, panelists and an open
discussion.
In September 2019, Shakirah officially
founded her Nursing Mentorship Network.
In just a few months, the Network has
grown to more than 15 mentees and five
mentors.
“I had a lot of nursing students coming
to me and asking me questions, reaching
out for help,” Shakirah said. “That’s why
I started it. I felt as though I want to give
back. I gathered a few experienced nurses
and I put it out on social media.”
Shakirah earned her BSN from GMercyU
in 2018 and is now working in the Medical
Surgical Unit at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital and Einstein
Hospital. You can learn more about the Nursing Mentorship
Network by following Shakirah on Instagram at @shak_bsn.