Peer Mentor Program

[UpennRN]

Hey fellow nurses!

I work on a busy, stressful medical unit that causes a lot of burnout, poor retention, and a lot of new nurses to leave.

I've come a long way and I feel like I have a lot to share with the newer nurses! My colleague and I are interested in starting a peer mentor program, but I am having a hard time finding a good framework that is ideal for nursing specifically. Based on my google search, I've only really found resources on peer mentoring in general, or why it is beneficial, but nothing specific on activities, pairing, etc.

I was hoping someone could help! Please share what you have done! Also name some activities. We were thinking about a kickoff happy hour, someone hosting a get-together at their home, an outdoor picnic, etc.

Should we pair a new nurse with a mentor?

If anyone could share ideas for how to make this a legitimate program, I'd appreciate it!

Thanks!

[RNdonut]

A get together would be a great way to get everyone to casually get to know one another and be comfortable around each other! Maybe the assigning of mentors can happen then so that they can meet in a laid back environment. Pairing a nurse with a mentor who is a similar age to them is a good way to promote honesty and enjoyment at work. The only reason I ask as many questions as I do as a new nurse is because I had a wonderful preceptor who was just a little bit older than me who I can ask anything.