Nurse Resident 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

• Cultivate therapeutic relationships while promoting mutuality and respect. Giving the nurse residents a safe space to voice their opinion
• Guide nurses in both their professional and personal development
• Promote understanding of factors that help nurses integrate theory into practice
• Act as a resource to facilitate personal and professional development
• Promote an understanding of maintaining professional boundaries that support inter-professional care
• Socialization

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 selection process includes evaluating the potential mentor's (that's you) ability to meet the following expectations:

• 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:
  
  • Be available on either October 2nd or October 16th, 2018 for 30 minutes to meet face to face (kickoff meeting) with the nurse residents during their session
  • Attend (1) lunch and learn educational session, either on October 2nd or October 16th, 2018, that is 1 hour in duration after the kickoff
  • Able to meet virtually with each nurse resident group, at least once a month, for six months, starting in October

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.  Click HERE to apply. 

For more information, contact: