program requirements

Who is eligible to become a Mentee?
  • Early Career RNs:  RNs licensed within the last 4 years who are learning how to thrive in nursing, how to overcome the stress and challenges of working day-to-day to take care of patients, and would like to gain insight and support from a more experienced RN.
  • Up & Comer RNs: RNs with between 5 and 14 years of nursing experience who are highly passionate about their nursing careers and are expecting to become leaders in the profession.  These RNs are navigating the path of career transitions into education, advanced practice and management positions, as well as pursuing (or planning to pursue) an advanced degree. You will be matched with a more experienced RN.
Your Mentor may not have direct experience in your current or desired nursing specialty or role. That's OK! You can still benefit from the relationship. If you remain open to your Mentor's experience, insight, and wisdom, you'll find that they apply across the full spectrum of nursing specialties and career paths.

What can I expect from my mentor? You can expect at least one hour of support and interaction per month from your mentor. Since this is a virtual mentoring program, this interaction will take place via email, phone, video calls, or text. 

How long will my mentor work with me? The program will last eight months, beginning in late September and end in May.

Can I have more than one mentor through this program? No, only one mentor will be matched with each mentee.

PROGRAM SUPPORT

ANA supports successful mentoring relationships in several ways:

  • Mentee Forum:  All mentees will be enrolled in this online discussion group.  Kristin Ferguson, DNP, RN, OCN, the ANA Mentee Advisor, will be posting suggestions to help mentees get the most out of this experience, as well as facilitating discussions so mentees can advise and support each other. 
  • Guided Connection Plans:  Mentors and mentees will receive instructions and reminders for setting goals, scheduling meetings, etc throughout the six months....all with the goal of developing and sustaining a productive mentoring relationship. 

Connect with Our Mentors!

Get advice from an RN who has walked in your shoes.

Please keep your ANA membership current to receive notifications about enrollment updates.

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Mentee DO's

  1. Take a proactive role in shaping the relationship.
  2. Understand what you want from the mentoring relationship and communicate your goals and aspirations to your mentor. Balance a personal and professional relationship with your mentor.
  3. Set aside time for the mentoring process and keep all scheduled appointments with your mentor.
  4. Put the time with your mentor to its best use. Come to your meetings with planned topics for discussion.
  5. Respond in a timely manner to your mentor's feedback. Respond to emails from your mentor within two days of receipt.
  6. Be open and honest with your mentor about your challenges and weaknesses.
  7. If something concerning the mentor needs to be discussed with others, it should first be discussed within the mentoring relationship.

Mentee DON'Ts

  1. Ask for advice on everything. Have a purpose in each request.
  2. Blame the mentor if his or her advice doesn't work out.
  3. Expect the mentor to know all the answers.
  4. Commit yourself to obligations you cannot keep.
  5. Cancel meetings/visits with your mentor at the last minute.