In my role as Registered Nurse, I am committed to selecting a program which will best suit my needs and provide me with opportunities for growth and development at a professional level. A residency program is an option and provides opportunities to improve my skillset and to gain exposure to a variety of situations which I may encounter in the practice setting (Fiedler, Read, Lane, Hicks, & Jegier, 2014). A residency program also facilitates relationship and collegial development that will positively impact decision-making and support a team-based approach to nursing practice, all of which are essential to success within a given practice setting (Fiedler et.al, 2014). As a nurse, I believe that a residency program is critical for my professional development, to promote greater engagement in the nursing profession, and to provide my patients with high quality patient care on a consistent basis.
A nurse mentoring program is also important because it provides access to expert knowledge and information, facilitates engagement and independence, and promotes greater trust and respect between the mentor and the mentee (Eller, Lev, & Feurer, 2014). These characteristics are critical to a nurse in an ongoing capacity because they influence outcomes, decision-making, and positive behaviors which support the mission of the nursing profession (Eller et.al, 2014). The mentoring relationship offers an opportunity to engage in a variety of situations, to be cognizant of the challenges of the nursing profession, to exercise creativity and scholarship to address problems, and to be mindful of the need for professional behavior at all times. The mentor must serve as a role model for the nurse and facilitate improvements that will have a lasting impact on the profession and all patients. A successful nurse must embody these characteristics and recognize the importance of communication and engagement to achieve the desired outcomes.
- Eller, L. S., Lev, E. L., & Feurer, A. (2014). Key components of an effective mentoring
relationship: A qualitative study. Nurse education today, 34(5), 815-820. - Fiedler, R., Read, E. S., Lane, K. A., Hicks, F. D., & Jegier, B. J. (2014). Long-term outcomes of a postbaccalaureate nurse residency program: A pilot study. Journal of Nursing Administration, 44(7/8), 417-422.
