Finding mentors/role models

Umm, kiss ass to the appropriate people? If you are looking for someone to learn the ropes from, find the 10% of non spasoid nurses on the floor and get in good with them.

I just worked with the only guy on my unit from my summer internship and he showed me the ropes. I learned that he was a good role model in the fact that everyone liked him and he was a very good nurse. After that it was easy to befriend him and show him the work I can do. The trust and teaching just builds from there

I am in the same boat as you are (take my boards tomorrow); however, I do have experience with mentoring from my past life as an HR guy.

I look for someone that I respect, knows their stuff, can critically think, is a good instructor, is critical but doesn't criticiize, and knows the politics. Very hard to find someone with all of those qualities; but there is always someone that has a good mix of some of these. The other key that I think is invaluable is could I be friends with this person; is he/her someone I would invite to the barbeque.

After I have found that person I go and ask them to be my mentor. Everytime I have asked I have gotten a yes. Also, I don't let gender dictate who I pick. Good luck!