Nurse Residency Mentor Program

Bridging Transitions: Developing an E-mentor Program for New Graduate Nurse Residents

Why?

Mentors provide encouragement for nurse residents that are trying to navigate the challenges of working in a hospital setting. A mentor is a good listener who can offer advice and friendship in a trusted relationship. Experienced nurses know that integrating nursing theory into practice takes time. That process is enhanced when Nurse Residents have the opportunity to learn from established nurses with whom they have a clearly defined mentor/mentee relationship. Additionally, Nurse Residents benefit from working with someone who can help "fast track" their understanding of the culture at UCLA.

Program Objectives

• Mentor will serve as a role model and resource
• Mentor will support the development of effective decision making skills related to clinical judgment and performance through debriefing events/scenarios, providing constructive feedback, and demonstrating positive communication skills
• Mentor will demonstrate clinical practice consistent with Relationship-Based Care and the Professional Practice Model at UCLA
• Mentor will facilitate and support a healthy work environment that supports the growth and healing of NRs

Mentor Criteria and Selection

A mentor is defined as a recent graduate from the residency program with at least 1 year of clinical experience. The mentor is a professional with job-related experience, knowledge of the organization, positive attitude, and excellent communication skills.  The criteria and selection are further defined in the Mentor application.

• Support the mission and values of UCLA Health
• Participate in achieving organizational, nursing, and unit goals
• Demonstrate professionalism and serve as a role model
• Act as a resource for the nurse resident
• Be clinically competent
• Provide constructive feedback and demonstrate positive communication skills
• Commitment to continuing education in the areas of communication, conflict management, teaching/learning, coaching, goal setting, and/or giving feedback
• Time Commitment:
  • Attend (1) initial educational mentor session
  • Attend (1) six-month educational mentor session
  • Able to meet virtually with each nurse resident group, at least once a month, for twelve months with initial meeting = COFFEE Date
  • Attend the NR graduation (date TBD)
  • I attest that I will notify my UD (via timesheet) of the 0.5 hours paid per mentee per month in order to get paid via the mandatory education cost center
    • It is the responsibility of the employee to enter his/her hours
    • Place a note on HBS for any Class attended Indicate "NR Mentor Education" in the note

FYI: Mentor and Mentee pairings can change as more mentors are added to the program.  

Mentor Application

Nurses who meet this criteria and are interested in the mentor role should submit an application for the Center of Nursing Excellence team for review. More information can be found at: 

Click HERE to apply. 

For more information, contact: