Lessons Learned in Implementation of an Expert Nurse Mentor Program

Abstract

Experienced critical care nurses have the expertise to respond quickly and appropriately in emergency situations. New graduate nurses, however, typically lack this expertise and may benefit from mentoring as they learn to manage rapidly deteriorating patients. The purpose of this article is to describe the lessons learned during implementation of an Expert Nurse Mentor Program. Nurse educators may benefit from this information as they strive to establish and maintain mentoring programs.

The View From Here

“…They continue to need support from experienced peers, charge RNs, and NPD specialists. Evidence exists within the literature that advocates for the use of a year-long residency program with ongoing training, time to debrief with peers (Brook et al 2019; Huston et al, 2018; Rush et al, 2019), and the use of a formal mentor program (Kennedy et al, 2020). NGNs who transition during the COVID-19 pandemic may require additional assistance to transition successfully because of the disruption of normal academic experiences and a decrease in clinical time (American Association of Colleges of Nursing, 2020; National League for Nursing, 2020).…”