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As frontline medical workers, nurses have one of the most physically and mentally demanding jobs in health care. For new nurses, the long shifts, quick pace, and intensity of the work can sometimes feel overwhelming. Nurses who are still growing into their roles can benefit from nurse mentoring, where experienced nurses provide guidance and support as the new nurses learn the ropes and navigate their careers.

The firsthand experience and advice that nurse mentors provide are highly beneficial for less experienced nurses who may need help acclimating to a dynamic health care environment. If you aspire to nurse mentorship, you can benefit from building a solid foundation through higher-level nursing education, such as a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program.

What Is a Nurse Mentor?

Nurse mentoring is a common part of early nursing training and professional development, in which experienced nurses help graduates make their transition into the workforce or a specialty. A nurse mentor is a leadership position in health care that doesn’t require a specialized degree or credential. Mentors are typically highly trained nurses dedicated to helping guide the next generation of nursing students. Experience and an advanced education in nursing are the two main eligibility requirements to become a nurse mentor.

Formal vs. Informal Nurse Mentoring 

The relationship between mentor and mentee can either be formal or informal. Formal nurse mentoring can be arranged through an organization such as the American Nurses Association (ANA), which vets and approves mentors for the role.

On the other hand, informal nurse mentoring does not go through an organization and is more flexible in structure. Informal nurse mentoring relationships typically occur when a new nurse builds a rapport with an experienced nurse. Rather than following a pre-established timeline, informal mentors make themselves available and offer support as needed.

Nurse Mentoring Models

Nurse mentoring can come in many forms. Depending on factors ranging from the level of education to how advanced the training needs to be, different mentorship methods can be more effective than others.

Some of the models for nurse mentoring include:

• Traditional/one-on-one: An experienced nurse trains a less experienced graduate.

• Peer-to-peer: Nurses in the same role and typically at the same career level help each other succeed. 

• Team or group: A team or group of experienced nurses works together to guide nurse mentees. 

• Preceptorship: A mentor evaluates a mentee’s skills or proper integration into the workforce. 

• Inclusion model: Ensuring a diverse group of nurses and patients is involved. 

• Functional mentorship: Often specialized or concentrated on one area or skill in nursing. 

Whether the relationship is formal or informal, nurse mentorships can be mutually beneficial. Young or inexperienced nurses get the guidance they need while mentors benefit by elevating the talent around them.

What Are the Main Benefits of Nurse Mentoring?

Mentors provide nurses with guidance, assistance with clinical skills development, and career advice. Further, they have someone to turn to who has faced the emotional challenges of the job, creating a supportive learning environment.

Strong nurse mentoring fosters an atmosphere of effective learning while protecting the health, safety, and quality of care for patients. Experienced nurses act as role models, demonstrating what excellent nursing looks like in practice and going beyond the theories graduates learned in school. Mentoring provides opportunities for ethical decision-making, constructive feedback, and practical guidance from seasoned professionals.

Some other benefits of nurse mentoring include:

• Helping their mentees identify the shortest path to their career goals, saving valuable time and money, supporting career development, and expanding their network.

• Minimizing turnover, saving health care facilities thousands of dollars per year. A recent report from NSI Nursing Solutions noted that the average cost of turnover for a registered nurse at a hospital was $61,110. 

• Preparing mentees for conflict situations that new nurses may be unsure how to handle.

• Demonstrating how to deliver patient care at the highest standards. New nurses who are properly mentored may be able to deliver improved quality of care, which can lead to positive patient outcomes.

• Supporting young nurses through mental, physical, and emotional barriers.

• Helping experienced nurses gain a new perspective on modern nursing, re-engage with their profession, and identify which practices and procedures remain effective. 

How to Become a Nurse Mentor

The process of becoming a nurse mentor requires education and several years of on-the-job experience. While nurse mentors do not need to have a specific type of nursing degree, many have a BSN or Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). Those who want to deepen their leadership and mentoring abilities may benefit from a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), the highest level of nursing education.

Extensive work experience is also generally a prerequisite for nurse mentorship. Mentors need to be able to answer any questions and problem-solve any scenarios that arise with their mentees.

Nurse mentors don’t necessarily have to pair up with nurses who are completely new to the field. For example, experienced advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) may help newly credentialed APRNs navigate their new roles. Participating in nurse mentoring can be a great way for skilled professionals to embrace lifelong learning in nursing, ensuring patients are consistently receiving the most effective, high-quality care. 

Some of the organizations that provide nurse mentoring resources or programs include:

• American Nurses Association (ANA)

• American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP)

• National League for Nursing (NLN)

• National Black Nurses Association (NBNA)

• American Board of Nursing Specialties (ABNS)

Help Prepare the Next Generation of Nurses

New nurses and nursing students benefit greatly from the individualized attention and coaching that nurse mentoring provides. In addition to developing more competent nurses, mentorship programs can contribute to greater job satisfaction and workplace confidence, potentially helping mitigate turnover.

The University of Tulsa (TU) firmly believes in the mentor/mentee relationship and the benefits it provides. Every student at TU has an advisor, student success coach, and faculty mentor to guide them throughout the online Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program. Learn more about the program to find out how TU can support your educational growth and professional development.

Recommended Readings

LVN vs. RN: Reasons to Get Your Registered Nurse License

Why Choose an Accelerated Nursing Program?

How to Become an RN in Oklahoma With an ABSN

Sources:

American Association of Nurse Practitioners, FAANP Mentoring Program

American Nurse Journal, “The Importance of Mentoring and Coaching in Nursing”

American Nurses Association, “Benefits of Mentorship in Nursing: Why It’s Essential”

American Nurses Association, Mentoring Resources for RNs

American Nurses Association, Welcome to ANA’s Mentoring Program

National Black Nurses Association, NBNA Collaborative Mentorship

Nursing Solutions, “2025 NSI National Health Care Retention & RN Staffing Report”

ShiftMed, “How Nurses Can Benefit from Mentoring and Being Mentored”