Mentoring in Nursing

Mentoring in NursingKimberly HoldenNursing 450Ferris State University

MentoringThrough effective mentorship, we can positively impact healthcare organizations; improve job satisfaction; and promote professional development and empowerment in students, new graduates, staff nurses, educators, nurse leaders, and nurse faculty. Most importantly, mentoring can result in improved nursing care, high-quality healthcare, and improved patient outcomes. (Race & Skees, 2010)

Welcome to the seminar on Effective mentoring. All of us can relate to the idea of mentoring, whether in our personal or professional life, there are people who we trust and who help us grow. This seminar is designed to show the importance of mentors in the healthcare field, particularly in the nursing profession. (Read Quote) link to pic http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.minoritynurse.com/files/articles/Summ_12_Mentor_330.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.minoritynurse.com/mentoring-nurses-toward-success&h=330&w=330&sz=69&tbnid=LMWNcWtNvzp0wM:&tbnh=88&tbnw=88&zoom=1&usg=__y8agZr5cXHd2Hnc_6LKtMlZzJ7g=&docid=RO-HzGs9h0MuXM&hl=en&sa=X&ei=q38hUY6EEarMyQGG1IDoAQ&ved=0CGAQ9QEwCw&dur=43392Objectives of this PresentationBy the end of this presentation the participants will be able to:Verbalize the difference between a preceptor and a mentorList 3 characteristics of an effective mentorGive an example of toxic mentoringVerbalize the understanding of how effective mentoring can aid in the nurse recruitment, retention and job satisfactionGive an example of how the quality of nursing care can be affected by effective mentoring

The objectives of this presentation are: (read the slide)3Preceptors and MentorsPreceptorTeacherHeadmasterSomeone who shares their skills (Merriam-Webster, 2013)MentorA Wise and Faithful counselorA tutorA coach

Lets discuss the difference between Preceptors and Mentors. Both are vital in the training of new nurses. A preceptor is described as a teacher or headmaster of a school. Preceptors share their skills with new nurses or students and help guide the transition and integreation of nursing students into the nursing workforce. A mentor is defined as a wise and faithful counselor, a tutor or a coach. Mentors provide an avenue for younger nurses to develop strong relationships with more experienced nurses from which they can learn. (RNAO, 2006) The word mentor came from Homers The Odyssey. Mentor, was a friend of Ulysses in this work, and was entrusted with the care and nurturing of his son as Ulysses went off to war. In the 1700s the word mentor became a noun in the English Language meaning wise counselor. Today the word mentor is used to describe someone who is more experienced and acts as a trusted friend, counsellor or teacher (SIAST, Mentoring: A brief history)4Let whoever is in charge keep this simple question in her head (not, how can I always do this right thing myself, but) how can I provide for this right thing to be always done? (Nightingale, 1879)

Florence Nightingale is credited with being the first mentor in the profession of nursing. Effective mentors are able to lead others by modeling professional behavior and personal balance. (Metcalfe, 2010) This quote from her book Nursing: What it is, and what it is not, eludes to her desire to pass along her knowledge and skill to bring up new nurses who provide quality care to those with which they are entrusted.5Why do We need Mentors?

Take a moment to make a list of why we need mentors in allied health professions. Also give some thought as to why you need mentors in your personal life. The following 2 slides give a variety of reasons we need mentors is both areas see how your list compares!6Why we need mentors In nursing and other health professions for guidance and support to structure working environment for learning for constructive and honest feedback for debriefing related to good/bad experience during placement as a link person with other areas as a role model to assess competence as a friend and counselor for encouragement to provide the appropriate knowledge base for nursing interventions for questioning for protection from poor practice to build confidence for sharing learning, i.e. learning from each other

Mentors are needed in healthcare so that students or new nurses have someone they can turn to for guidance and support, constructive and honest feedback, debriefing after a bad experience, as a role model, encourager, and confidence builder. They also help the student or new nurse build social relationships on the unit to which they are assigned7Why we need mentors to keep own skills and knowledge up to date for linking theory to practice for developing ones work skills in teaching and explaining to provide structured learning programs during practice placements

In personal life for the development of ones self to share experiences for encouragement to build up confidence for honest opinions and views as a role model (may be a parent figure, etc.) for socialization for support and guidance

Mentors also protect the student or new nurse from poor practice,& help link theory into practice. Mentors also provide a link to other areas or disciplines. The mentor benefits because mentoring helps to keep his/her own skills up to date, and it helps develop ones work skills in teaching and explaining. As you can see in the area of personal life, the mentor role provides development in many of the same areas.8Characteristics of an Effective Mentor Patient Tactful Open-minded Diplomatic, fun and fair Approachable Willing to be a mentor Have a good knowledge base Versatile, adaptable, flexible Knowledge and competence is up to date Allows time and commits self to itConfidentHas good communication skills, including listening skills Enthusiastic Advisor Provides encouragement Is honest and trustworthy Is self-motivated Trusting Shows concern, compassion Empathy A role model Non-judgemental Has teaching skills Provides psychological support Able to build working relationship

Gopee, 2011

There are many characteristics that are desirable for a mentor to have. The most important I think is the willingness to be a mentor. I can recall many times as a student and even as a new nurse that I was placed with a mentor or preceptor who obviously was not willing. Many of you shared similar experiences in answer to my original questions. Please take a moment to reflect on which characteristics you think are most important.9Model of Mentoring

This video shows a nurse being an effective mentor for a nursing student. What desired characteristics can you pick out? 10Toxic MentoringWhat does a poor mentor look like?Lack of interest in the students and their learning needsLack of knowledge about the student or new nurses courseLack of evidence based practice or research utilizationLack of team approachNo acknowledgement of new nurses previous experienceNegative attitudesReluctant to change practices

Gopee, 2011

we have looked at what an effective mentor looks like and have talked about their characteristics. Now its time to look at what poor mentoring looks like. As with the characteristics that are favorable for mentors to have, there are many unfavorable characteristics as well. Many of us have encountered nurses put into the mentor role that have these characteristics and the experience as a whole was less than enjoyable or productive. One thing you may have learned from these experiences is hopefully what you never want to do if you are asked to perform in the mentor role!11What are some behaviors that make a poor mentor? Break promises Lack knowledge and expertise Have poor teaching skills Have no structure to their teaching Chop and change their minds Allow students to observe only (i.e. not participate) Are unclear about their students capabilities Throw students in at the deep end Delegate unwanted jobs to students Dislike their job and/or students May be disliked by other members of the team Are distant, less friendly, unapproachable Intimidate the students Have unrealistic expectations

Gopee, 2011

Some of the behaviors exhibited by poor mentors are: They break promises, have poor teaching techniques, are distant, unfriendly and unapproachable.They intimidate students or new nurses and they may have unrealistic expectations. A couple of the least productive behaviors for a mentor to have is that of only allowing students or new nurses to observe or only delegating jobs they dont want to do. 12Why is Mentoring Important?(Nursing)Nurse recruitment and retention

Nurse satisfaction

(Mariani, 2012) (RNOA, 2006)

We have all heard about the nursing shortage and despite increasing enrollment in Baccalaureate nursing programs, the shortage is seemingly going to continue (Mariani, 2012).The factors that influence this shortage are an aging workforce, (according to statistics, 40% of all RNs will be older than 50 by 2010), a shortage of nursing faculty, increasing healthcare needs, nursing burnout, and dissatisfaction. In the RNOA article, the author states that the benefits of mentoring include nurses who are mentored remain in their current position, have increased self esteem job enrichment and willingness to take risks.In a study about mentoring and retention by Mariani, a statistical correlation between mentoring and retention was not found. However, those participating in the study were in favor of mentoring programs and had all participated in some form of mentoring in their career. There was a correlation between mentoring and job satisfaction which in turn led to retention.13Why is Mentoring Important?(Organizational)Benefits to the organization from Mentorships--Nurses will feel more valued and empowered--Staff will feel as though they have more stake in the organization--Nurses will be more dedicated--Nurses will take more personal pride in their work, professional development, and career advancement ( Race & Skees, 2010)

Mentoring is important to the organization in that the nursing staff will feel more valued and empowered, they will feel as though they have more stake in the organization which in turn leads to dedication, personal pride in their work, professional development and career advancement14Why is Mentoring Important(Patients)Mentors provide students and new nurses opportunities to: Develop critical thinking Bridge the gap between theory and practice Enhance productivity Enhance the sense of professionalism

Mentors help student and new nurses develop critical thinking skills, help bridge the gap between theory and practice, enhance productivity, and enhance the sense of professionalism. All of these things lead to quality patient care and improved patient outcomes.15Benefits of Mentoring

This short video was produced by Methodist Hospital in Texas, who has a formal mentorship program. It briefly explains how the program works and the benefits to both mentor and mentee and ultimately the patient.16ConclusionMentoring plays an important role in developing the potential in new nurses

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Race & Skees, 2010

Mentorship is important beginning at the undergraduate level and continuing throughout a professional nurse career. Leaders have a responsibility to promote effective mentoring. Mentoring can benefit all who invest (both mentor and mentee) through recruitment retention improving morale and Promoting professional development. All of this will ultimately improve the quality of bedside nursing care and patient outcomes.18References