Definition of Mentoring

“Mentoring is a nurturing process in which a more skilled or experienced person, serving as a role model, teaches, sponsors, encourages, counsels, and befriends a less skilled person for the purpose of promoting the student’s professional and personal development” (Dorsey & Baker,2004).

“The relationship between faculty and student is reciprocal and develops over time. It is an interactive experience grounded in respect, created in an environment of trust, mutual sharing,affirmation, collegiality, and caring” (Kostovich & Thurn, 2013).

Goals for Mentoring

1. To provide consistency over a 4-semester period and allow a trusting student-faculty relationship to develop.

2. To contribute to a positive atmosphere in which intellectual activities can germinate into a successful career as a professional nurse.

3. To provide an opportunity for students to make connections with faculty and make informed decisions for career development.

Mentor’s Responsibilities

1. Available to help assigned students understand their responsibilities and assist in students’socialization to the profession of nursing.

2. Provide support, guidance, and encouragement to assigned students.

3. Review, grade, and provide feedback on assigned students’ Academic Service Learning (ASL) assignments using established rubrics.

4. Review and grade all student ATI Remediation activities over the course of the 4 semesters.

5. Contact group of assigned students at least once a semester and meet with them (either face-to-face or via Zoom).

6. Maintain open communication with assigned ASL community partners.

Mentee’s Responsibilities

1. Maintain regular contact with mentor.

2. Submit reflections/assignments to Faculty Mentor via cohort canvas site.

3. Be clear about expectations and needs.

4. Do not expect to have all questions answered immediately.

5. Accept and act upon all feedback received.

The Mentee Benefits By

Interacting with a faculty member who serves as a role model over 4 semesters.

Having access to an experienced listener who can respond to problems or concerns.

Having someone who can offer useful guidance on achievement of academic and professional goals and identifying career direction.

The Mentor Benefits By

Sharing expertise and wisdom related to both personal and professional experiences.

Experiencing the satisfaction of recognizing potential and then observing growth and achievement in a student.

The College of Nursing Benefits By

Increasing faculty-to-student interaction and networking.

Building a strong and supportive College of Nursing culture among all members of the collegiate community.

Developing successful students that will result in better program outcomes.

References

Dorsey, L. & Baker, C. (2004). Mentoring undergraduate nursing students: Assessing the state ofthe science. Nurse Educator, 29(6), 260-265.

Eller, L., Lev, E., & Feurer, A. (2014). Key components of an effective mentoring relationship:A qualitative study. Nurse Education Today, 34(5), 815-820. doi:10.1016/j.nedt.2013.07.020

Kostovich, C & Thurn, K. (2013). Group mentoring: A story of transition for undergraduate baccalaureate nursing students. Nurse Education Today, 33, 413-418.doi:10.1016/j.nedt/2012.12.016