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In Praise of Mentoring...Author(s): Vicki FosterSource: The American Journal of Nursing, Vol. 97, No. 3 (Mar., 1997), p. 20Published by: Lippincott Williams & WilkinsStable URL: http://www.jstor.org/stable/3465274 .

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LETTERS LETTERS

IN PRAISE OF MENTORING... Thank you for your continuing educa- tion offering, "Mentoring a Colleague" (Nursing Rounds, December). Mentor- ing is a relatively new concept to nurs- ing. By encouraging experienced nurses to participate in mentoring, we can pro- mote professionalism within clinical nursing practice. Novice practitioners need guidance until a high level of self- confidence can be developed.

In the past, novice nurses were often alienated. Many experienced nurses can still recall being told as a graduate nurse to "either sink or swim." This attitude has often led to anxiety and frustration when inexperienced nurses are left to function without guidance. Over time, this type of role stress can lead to job burnout, or even physical illness. Men-

IN PRAISE OF MENTORING... Thank you for your continuing educa- tion offering, "Mentoring a Colleague" (Nursing Rounds, December). Mentor- ing is a relatively new concept to nurs- ing. By encouraging experienced nurses to participate in mentoring, we can pro- mote professionalism within clinical nursing practice. Novice practitioners need guidance until a high level of self- confidence can be developed.

In the past, novice nurses were often alienated. Many experienced nurses can still recall being told as a graduate nurse to "either sink or swim." This attitude has often led to anxiety and frustration when inexperienced nurses are left to function without guidance. Over time, this type of role stress can lead to job burnout, or even physical illness. Men-

toring reflects a positive attitude the pro- fession is taking to nurture its young.

As a former nurse-mentor, I would like to let other nurses know what a re- warding experience it can be. Although time-consuming, mentoring can pro- duce results that are well worth the ef- fort.

Vicki Foster, BSN, RN Southaven, MS

AND ITS MUTUAL BENEFITS The February Editorial ("Charged to Mentor") calling us forth to be mentors and patrons for our young new nurses moved me to tell you a story.

Five years ago I retired from psychi- atric nursing, but feeling too young and healthy to quit nursing completely, I be- came the director of nursing at a local

toring reflects a positive attitude the pro- fession is taking to nurture its young.

As a former nurse-mentor, I would like to let other nurses know what a re- warding experience it can be. Although time-consuming, mentoring can pro- duce results that are well worth the ef- fort.

Vicki Foster, BSN, RN Southaven, MS

AND ITS MUTUAL BENEFITS The February Editorial ("Charged to Mentor") calling us forth to be mentors and patrons for our young new nurses moved me to tell you a story.

Five years ago I retired from psychi- atric nursing, but feeling too young and healthy to quit nursing completely, I be- came the director of nursing at a local

nursing home. It had a very caring staff, but lacked professional nursing leader- ship. Over time a change took place, but the big problem of recruiting registered nurses remained until two years ago.

One day in May 1995, a bubbly new grad bounced into my office from across the border in New Brunswick, Canada. She told me of the lack of em- ployment in her province that was forc- ing her and other grads to work as part- time nurse's aides.

I thought, "If Canada doesn't want them, I sure do!" Having come from New Brunswick myself, I was happy to become a patron for a few of these new grads. As of now, we've hired nine and soon the 10th nurse will be joining us. They are wonderful young nurses and appreciate the opportunity to develop

nursing home. It had a very caring staff, but lacked professional nursing leader- ship. Over time a change took place, but the big problem of recruiting registered nurses remained until two years ago.

One day in May 1995, a bubbly new grad bounced into my office from across the border in New Brunswick, Canada. She told me of the lack of em- ployment in her province that was forc- ing her and other grads to work as part- time nurse's aides.

I thought, "If Canada doesn't want them, I sure do!" Having come from New Brunswick myself, I was happy to become a patron for a few of these new grads. As of now, we've hired nine and soon the 10th nurse will be joining us. They are wonderful young nurses and appreciate the opportunity to develop

Nursing is Serious Business.

Nursing is Serious Business.

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COTTERELL, MITCHELL & FIFER, INC. 151 WILLIAM STREET * NEW YORK, NY 10038

1-800-221-4904 Better Protection. Better Price. Best Service.

I want my own malpractice protection for just $75! Complete this application, enclose a check made payable to CM&F and send to: Cotterell, Mitchell & Fifer, Inc. * 151 William Street * New York, NY 10038 * 1-800-221-4904

First Name Middle Initial Last Name

Street Address City State Zip

Telephone Number

Professional License Number Check One: D RN $75 D LPN $75 Limits: $1,000,000/$5,000,000

1. Has any malpractice claim or suit ever been brought against you? D Yes ] No 2. Are you aware of any circumstances which may result in a malpractice claim or suit against you? D Yes D No NurseGuardSM is underwritten by Granite State Insurance Company, 3 Have you ever: a member company of American International Group, Inc. (AIG),

-been the subject of an investigation, reprimand or disciplinary action? D Yes D No rated A++(Superior), the highest possible financial rating from the - had your professional privileges suspended by any court or administrative agency? D Yes D No AM. Best Company. - had your liability insurance policy refused, canceled or non-renewed? D Yes D No

If you answered "yes" to any of the above, please attach a detailed explanation. This application does not bind the company to issue a policy, but it shall be the basis of the policy upon Issuance. The applicant represents that the information set forth herein is true. If you do not receive confirmation that this application has been accepted and your policy within forty-five (45) days, please contact Cotterell, Mitchell & Filer, Inc. Any description of our policy is only a summary of certain terms and conditions of the policy. Please refer to the actual policy tor complete details of coverage and conditions. Coverage may not be available in all states, and will vary based upon particular state requirements.

NurseGuard Application Signature of Applicant Date AJN Date ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~AJN

Circle No. 2 on Reader Inquiry Card AJN/ March 1997 / Vol. 97, No. 3 / http://www.ajn.org/ajn

Circle No. 2 on Reader Inquiry Card AJN/ March 1997 / Vol. 97, No. 3 / http://www.ajn.org/ajn 20 20

I I

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