Mentorship: Supporting New Graduate Nurses in Professional Development and Integration into Nursing Culture

Abstract

New graduate nurses (NGN) are vital to the safety of healthcare yet in the first year of work as a registered nurse, 25% will leave their positions. By the second year of employment only 50% of new graduate nurses remain in the field (Lyu et al., 2024; Bae, 2021). The exodus of nurses in an industry that is already facing significant staffing shortages compromises patient safety, the economic stability of the healthcare organization, and the wellness of the NGN. Through a well-developed evidence-based intervention, such as the mentorship program proposed in this quality improvement (QI) project, healthcare organizations can facilitate retention of NGNs and subsequently improve patient safety and financial stability. Mentorship programs play a key role in supporting and enhancing the practice readiness of NGNs. Practice readiness is the NGNs’ ability to provide safe patient care and includes many aspects of professionalism. The shift toward a more relaxed culture is redefining professionalism and raising questions about which aspects are essential for supporting NGNs in their transition from students to practice ready professionals. Nurses that embody elements of professionalism provide high quality care and feel more job satisfaction. The mentorship program provides NGNs with support through their transition into practice and professional development. Providing support to new graduate nurses is paramount to maintain the backbone of the healthcare system, the nurses.