How to Mentor in Nursing Education

The American Association of Colleges of Nursing reported in a 2008-09 study that 62 percent of nursing programs had faculty vacancies. While training and recruiting more qualified individuals for these positions will help solve the problem, it's also critical to retain faculty. Higher salaries and lower teaching loads will help, but schools must also become better at mentoring new instructors.
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Instructions

1. Acquaint new instructors with your institution. Provide a tour of the nursing department and the entire campus. Point out key offices and departments. Introduce new teachers to key people on campus including administrators, other instructors and important student services staff members. Familiarize them with school policies and procedures.

2. Act as a resource. Welcome questions and concerns from new instructors. Serve as a role model in teaching and assisting students. Show new instructors with minimal classroom experience how to teach adult students.

3. Observe new instructors teaching a class and assisting students one-on-one. Provide constructive criticism that builds confidence and motivates new teachers to improve.

Tips & Warnings

• The National League for Nursing provides a tool kit to help nursing programs establish a mentoring program for faculty.

References

• American Association of Colleges of Nursing: 2008-09 Survey of Members on Vacant Faculty Positions

Resources

• National Nursing Staff Development Organization - Nurse Mentoring: Creating a Professional Legacy
• National League for Nursing: Tool Kit for Mentoring Nursing Faculty