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Writer's pictureBilquis Ali

Why Every Nurse Needs a Mentor



Hey boo hey,


Long gone are the days of endless mistakes and struggling to figure it out on your own.

Let’s be real—when you’re starting out as a nurse, or even stepping into a leadership role, it can feel like you’re just trying to survive the day.


But here’s the truth: You don’t have to do it alone.


When I became a nurse (and later, a nurse leader), I thought I could rely on what my job provided—orientation, maybe a few training sessions, and a good luck pat on the back.


Spoiler alert: It wasn’t enough. Orientation only scratches the surface, and once you’re thrown into the real-world chaos of healthcare, you realize quickly how much you don’t know.


Why Mentorship is Non-Negotiable

1. You Learn Faster (and Smarter)

Having a mentor gives you direct access to someone who’s been there, done that, and has the wisdom to show you the way. Instead of spending months (or years!) making avoidable mistakes, a mentor can guide you, answer questions, and provide practical solutions to problems you don’t even know you’ll face yet.


2. It’s an Investment in YOU

I know, I know—paying for a mentor might feel like an extra expense. But let me ask you this: How much time and stress would it save you to have someone in your corner showing you how to thrive in your role? It’s not just about learning what to do; it’s about building confidence in your abilities and creating a clear path for your career.


3. You Need More Than Orientation

Orientation is designed to get you started—but mentorship is what will keep you growing. A mentor provides insights you won’t find in a company handbook or policy. They’re there to help you handle those real-world situations that aren’t covered in the manual.


4. The Shift to Leadership is HUGE

For my nurse leaders out there, going from staff nurse to leadership is no small leap. It’s an entirely different mindset, and trust me, you’ll feel like you’re navigating a whole new world. I learned the hard way by making every mistake in the book. It wasn’t until I had mentors who helped me turn those mistakes into lessons that I started to truly thrive.


How to Find the Right Mentor

  • Look for Experience: Choose someone who’s been successful in the role you’re stepping into.

  • Seek Alignment: Make sure their teaching style matches your learning style. This is very important.

  • Be Open to Investing: Free advice is great, but investing in a mentor often means a deeper commitment and access to valuable resources.


My Call to You

Boo, if you’re contemplating whether or not to get a mentor, let me tell you: Make the investment. Your career, your confidence, and your future self will thank you. Don’t just survive—thrive.


Are you ready to take the next step in your career? Start by reaching out to someone who inspires you or explore mentorship programs designed for nurses like you. If you’re looking for a mentor who understands the unique challenges of nursing and leadership, let’s connect—I’d love to help you grow.


👉 Click here to learn more about my mentorship programs for nurses and nurse leaders: Memberships | DON Training Program


Lead with love. ❤️


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Andreadorseybrown@yahoo.com
Nov 28

Absolutely, every Nurse needs a mentor!

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