VITAL SIGNS
MENTORING MATTERS
A Pathway to Professional Growth and Resilience
Elaina Diaz, MSN, RN, NPD-BC, CMSRN
Director of Nursing Professional Development, Texas Nurses Association
Mentoring is widely recognized as a valuable tool for fostering the professional development of nurses and improving retention rates within healthcare organizations.
TODAY'S NURSES FACE A RANGE of increasing demands, heavy workloads, emotional fatigue, and complex clinical environments, that can impede career development and job satisfaction. These pressures can also hinder personal and professional growth. Mentoring presents a solution to these challenges by offering a structured approach to knowledge transfer, professional identity development, and emotional resilience. It goes beyond a simple support system, fostering connections and building confidence. For early-career nurses, mentoring helps navigate the complexities of clinical practice, while also aiding nurses transitioning into leadership or academic roles. As healthcare organizations continue to seek innovative ways to strengthen their workforce, mentoring stands out not only as a best practice but also as a crucial strategy for sustaining the future of nursing.
In nursing, mentoring is a dynamic, reciprocal relationship where a more experienced nurse provides guidance, support, and encouragement to a less experienced nurse over time (Appiah et al., 2025; National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, 2019; Nowell et al., 2017). This relationship is grounded in mutual trust, respect, and a commitment to both personal and professional growth. Unlike preceptorships, which are short-term, task-focused, and centered on skill acquisition during onboarding, mentoring takes a broader approach. It nurtures long-term career development, leadership potential, and professional socialization. Through this process, mentees not only refine their clinical abilities but also discover their value and purpose within the nursing profession. Mentoring thus becomes a cornerstone in shaping a confident, engaged, and future-ready nursing workforce.
Mentoring is widely recognized as a valuable tool for fostering the professional development of nurses and improving retention rates within healthcare organizations. In this article, we will explore the benefits of mentoring, effective strategies for mentors and mentees, and best practices for establishing successful mentoring relationships. Whether you are considering becoming a mentor or a mentee, understanding these key elements can help you maximize the mentoring experience and contribute to the growth of the nursing profession.
For early-career nurses, mentoring helps navigate the complexities of clinical practice, while also aiding nurses transitioning into leadership or academic roles.
THE IMPORTANCE OF MENTORING IN NURSING
An effective mentoring relationship benefits both the mentor and the mentee, creating mutual value. For mentees, mentoring provides a broad spectrum of advantages at any stage of their career. These include refining clinical skills, building confidence, enhancing critical thinking, improving decision-making abilities, reducing stress and burnout, and increasing job satisfaction and retention. While these benefits are often associated with early-career nurses, they are just as valuable for those transitioning between specialties or practice settings. One of the most significant aspects of mentoring is the emotional support it offers. Having a safe, confidential space to reflect on challenges and process stressful experiences can help mentees manage emotional strain and reduce burnout. Mentees who are able to mitigate these challenges are more likely to experience greater job satisfaction and remain in their roles longer.
Mentors also experience considerable professional and personal growth. Through explaining complex concepts, offering guidance, and collaborating on real-world challenges, mentors sharpen their critical thinking, improve communication skills, and strengthen their leadership abilities. These competencies are essential for career progression and ongoing professional development. Mentoring provides mentors with the opportunity to give back to the profession, which often leads to a renewed sense of purpose and fulfillment, resulting in increased job satisfaction and a deeper connection to their work.
Healthcare organizations are increasingly recognizing the strategic value of formal mentoring programs. When integrated into the organizational culture, mentoring benefits go beyond individual participants. Studies show that mentoring contributes to improved patient outcomes by promoting clinical excellence, supporting evidence-based practice, and enhancing teamwork. Furthermore, mentoring reduces staff turnover and shortens the learning curve for new hires, which ultimately decreases onboarding costs and improves workforce stability. Beyond these operational benefits, mentoring fosters a workplace culture that is supportive, inclusive, and growth-oriented, where nurses feel valued, seen, and empowered. Mentoring also plays a key role in developing future nurse leaders, ensuring a strong leadership pipeline and organizational sustainability in an ever-evolving healthcare environment.
EFECTIVE MENTORING STRATEGIES AND BEST PRACTICES
The selection and matching of mentors are fundamental to the success of a mentoring program. Choosing the right mentor ensures that the mentee receives high-quality guidance from someone who is not only experienced but also skilled at fostering meaningful, growth-oriented relationships. Criteria for selecting mentors should include their level and type of professional experience, depth of expertise in clinical or leadership areas, and strong interpersonal and communication skills. Ideal mentors should demonstrate a genuine interest in developing others, openness to feedback, and the ability to build trust and rapport.
Equally important is the mentor-mentee matching process. Pairings should be intentional, based on shared professional goals, clinical interests, and learning or communication styles (Hill et al., 2022). A good match fosters a strong rapport and creates a productive and engaging experience for both the mentor and the mentee. In addition, fostering diversity in mentor-mentee pairings can enrich the mentoring experience by exposing participants to different perspectives and cultural backgrounds, broadening their understanding and encouraging professional growth Hill et al., 2022). This intentional approach not only enhances the individual relationship but also leads to better program outcomes, including increased satisfaction, retention, and long-term engagement.
Once mentors and mentees are paired, the next step is to establish a strong and productive relationship. Best practices for developing this relationship include setting clear expectations, building trust and rapport, maintaining effective communication, practicing active listening, and scheduling regular meetings or check-ins to maintain momentum. Mentees should take an active role in their development by identifying areas where they need support, setting personal and professional goals, and seeking out opportunities to learn (Appiah et al., 2025). They should be proactive in initiating communication and engaging in discussions, asking insightful questions, and being open to feedback. Professionalism, punctuality, and respect are essential for ensuring a successful mentoring experience.
Mentors play a crucial role in setting clear expectations and helping mentees define and pursue their goals. Mentors should adapt their approach to the mentee’s individual needs, encouraging open dialogue, providing constructive feedback, and supporting the mentee’s development of independence and confidence. By creating a safe and supportive environment, mentors help mentees grow not only in skill but also in professional identity.
PROVIDING EFFECTIVE GUIDANCE AND SUPPORT
Mentors provide valuable support by sharing relevant clinical experience, professional insights, and practical strategies that bridge the gap between theory and real-world practice. Mentees should take full advantage of these learning opportunities by asking thoughtful questions, reflecting on new information, and seeking clarification when necessary. Effective feedback from mentors is both honest and supportive, providing clear, actionable guidance that builds confidence and promotes professional growth. Mentors also encourage resilience by offering support during challenges, helping mentees develop the emotional strength to persevere.
In addition, mentors help mentees connect with professional development opportunities such as conferences, committees, or networking events, which can broaden their exposure and career potential. Mentees should actively pursue these opportunities and follow through on the suggestions their mentors provide. When mentees encounter difficulties, whether clinical, interpersonal, or organizational, mentors offer guidance on how to approach problem-solving, model professionalism, and create a safe space for reflection. Mentees should be open about their challenges and receptive to their mentor’s advice, using it to navigate obstacles and grow a strong mentoring relationship thrives in an environment of mutual respect and psychological safety. Even if mentors and mentees do not work within the same organization, they can still establish a meaningful connection by creating clear expectations and setting regular opportunities for communication. Whether through video calls, phone conversations, or email exchanges, maintaining consistent contact is key to building trust and fostering growth. Mentors should cultivate a supportive atmosphere by being approachable, encouraging open dialogue, and demonstrating empathy, while mentees should remain engaged, honest, and open to feedback. Together, they can create a space where reflection, growth, and meaningful professional development occur, regardless of geographic or organizational distance. Mentors play a crucial role in setting clear expectations and helping mentees define and pursue their goals. Mentors should adapt their approach to the mentee’s individual needs, encouraging open dialogue, providing constructive feedback, and supporting the mentee’s development of independence and confidence. By creating a safe and supportive environment, mentors help mentees grow not only in skill but also in professional identity.
Whether you're an experienced nurse ready to give back to the profession or a newer nurse seeking guidance and support, NurseConnect provides a valuable opportunity to build meaningful, career-enhancing relationships.
CHALLENGES AND OVERCOMING BARRIERS
As mentoring relationships develop, common challenges such as time constraints, personality conflicts, and lack of clarity may arise. These barriers can impede the success of the relationship if not addressed early. Time constraints are often a challenge, as both mentors and mentees must balance their mentoring commitments with demanding clinical schedules. To overcome this, both parties should agree on a clear meeting schedule and prioritize regular check-ins. Communication style differences or personality conflicts can also create obstacles, but open dialogue and flexibility can help resolve misunderstandings. Lack of clarity about goals or expectations can lead to frustration, so it is essential for both mentors and mentees to establish clear objectives and roles at the outset.
Ongoing evaluation and feedback are critical to overcoming these challenges. Regularly assessing the progress of the relationship ensures that both the mentor and mentee are satisfied with their experience and can identify areas for improvement. For organizations, tracking metrics such as satisfaction, goal achievement, and retention helps refine mentoring programs and ensure that they remain effective and aligned with organizational goals.Mentors play a crucial role in setting clear expectations and helping mentees define and pursue their goals. Mentors should adapt their approach to the mentee’s individual needs, encouraging open dialogue, providing constructive feedback, and supporting the mentee’s development of independence and confidence. By creating a safe and supportive environment, mentors help mentees grow not only in skill but also in professional identity.
GET INVOLVED TODAY AND MAKE A LASTING IMPACT
The Texas Nurses Association offers NurseConnect, a free, members-only mentoring program designed to foster professional growth and development. Whether you're an experienced nurse ready to give back to the profession or a newer nurse seeking guidance and support, NurseConnect provides a valuable opportunity to build meaningful, career-enhancing relationships. As a mentor or mentee, you’ll gain insight, share experiences, and expand your network while contributing to the future of nursing in Texas.
Mentoring is a powerful tool for growth, both for individuals and the nursing community as a whole. As a mentor, you have the opportunity to shape the next generation of nurses, share your expertise, and enhance your leadership skills. For mentees, mentoring offers valuable insights, helps navigate challenges more effectively, and builds the confidence to excel in their careers. Beyond individual development, mentoring in nursing is a vital strategy for fostering career growth, emotional resilience, and long-term organizational sustainability. Whether you are interested in mentoring or seeking mentorship, NurseConnect provides a meaningful opportunity to contribute to the future of nursing in Texas. TN
REFERENCES
Appiah, A. A., Falco, K., & Chen, C. (2025). Can We Rethink How We Make an Impact? Mentoring Reimagined. Nurse Leader, 23(1), 77–81. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mnl.2024.10.015
Hill, S. E. M., Ward, W. L., Seay, A., & Buzenski, J. (2022). The Nature and Evolution of the Mentoring Relationship in Academic Health Centers. Journal of clinical psychology in medical settings, 29(3), 557–569. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10880-022-09893-6
National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. (2019). The Science of Effective Mentorship in STEMM. The National Academies Press. https://doi.org/10.17226/25568
Nowell, L., Norris, J. M., Mrklas, K., & White, D. E. (2017). Mixed methods systematic review exploring mentorship outcomes in nursing academia. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 73(3), 527-544. https://doi.org/10.1111/jan.13152Turale, S., Kunaviktikul, W., (2019). Nursing and health policy perspectives: the contribution of nurses to health policy and advocacy requires leaders to provide training and mentorship. Int Nurs Rev. 66(3), 302-304.
