Just because travel nurses frequently switch assignments doesn’t mean they can’t build lasting and meaningful relationships. One of the most important connections you can make as a travel nurse? A mentor. Let’s take a closer look at the importance of mentorship, along with tips for finding the right one.
Mentors Matter
Mentorship has been proven to have manifold benefits. These include skill transfer; productivity and performance gains; enhanced commitment, communication, and motivation; and stabilization during times of change. When it comes to the rigors of travel nursing, these perks are often exponential — not only to the mentee, but to the mentor, healthcare organizations, and the healthcare system at large.
Whether you’re looking to increase your competency in a specific area or boost your self-confidence going into a new assignment, mentors offer valuable guidance and insight. After all, an experienced travel nurse mentor has a breadth and depth of experience navigating the challenges you currently face every day as a new travel nurse.
But a mentor isn’t just beneficial for talking you through a particularly difficult travel nurse assignment. He/she can also help you think strategically about your overall career trajectory. While managing a demanding schedule and time-sensitive tasks can take over, a mentor can also help you maintain a valuable “big picture” perspective of how to maximize your overall travel nurse experience in order to best reach your goals.
Finding a Mentor
Nurse mentors can serve a variety of purposes, so finding the right one is essential. Perhaps you’re just looking for a sounding board to help you make decisions and deal with specific issues? Or maybe you’re more interested in cultivating a particular career path? Understanding what you want out of a mentorship arrangement can help you maximize results.
It’s not all about the mentor, however: this process also involves turning the mirror on yourself. Take a minute to consider your unique strengths and weaknesses, along with your personal and professional development goals. For example, if you want to progress into a management position, choosing a clinical nurse leader as your mentorship offers unique value.
Mentors can be found nearly anywhere — from nursing schools to hospitals to placement agencies. Even online forums offer a great way to connect in today’s digital world. Once you have found someone you trust and established the relationship, it’s your job to make the most out of it. Make sure to touch base frequently, and to express your appreciation every chance you get. This not only shows your mentor that you appreciate her time and effort, but also lays the groundwork for an ongoing partnership.
And don’t forget when the time comes for you to return the favor. As you gain more experience as a travel nurse, consider honing your leadership skills by mentoring a new or inexperienced member of the profession. Remember: the benefits go both ways!
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