In my first year of nursing, I wasn’t sure if it was a profession I wanted to continue.
The role of a nurse is based on giving, caring and being there for patients in their time of need. Dealing with sickness, mental illness, distress and dying are all a part of the job description. At times it can be super challenging.
I started being mentored soon after I started my job and it boosted my confidence, self-belief and highlighted the career paths I could follow.
Being mentored by someone in a role that I aspired to, opened my eyes to opportunities and possibilities that I wasn’t aware of.
That is why this International Nurses Day, I wanted to highlight the importance of mentoring to other nurses.
Mentoring can open doors
Having someone qualified in a role you aspire to be in is a shortcut way to gain success.
Being mentored has been instrumental in my nursing career.
In my first two years, my mentor helped solidify my decision to stay in the role and I can honestly say I love my job and I love being a nurse.
Without mentoring, I’m sure that I wouldn’t have identified management as something that I would aspire to in my career.
Now I’m enrolled at UWA pursuing a Graduate Certificate in Business and management is on my radar for the very near future.
This year on International Nurses Day I want to encourage nurses to reach out and seek mentoring to accelerate their career and also for experienced nurses to put their hand up to mentor others.
Not only will this lead to higher job satisfaction and retention, but it also has the possibility to enhance patient care.
On International Nurse Day, I look forward to celebrating with my colleagues and I’m really proud to be a nurse.
