Mentorship & Preceptorship
What is mentoring?
A professional relationship that fosters personal and career development.
How long do Nurse Residency Programs typically last?
6–18 months.
What are transitions?
Passages or changes from one situation to another.
What is reality shock?
The feeling that real nursing differs significantly from school.
Name one common stressor for new nurses.
Communication challenges, leadership/delegation, time management, critical thinking
What does a preceptorship focus on?
Clinical reasoning, decision-making, and safe skill performance.
Name one goal of a Nurse Residency Program.
Ease transition, improve retention, enhance competence.
Name one of the four types of transitions.
Developmental, Situational, Health/Illness, Organizational.
Which phase is a new grad most likely experiencing if they feel anxious, unprepared, and overwhelmed?
The Shock Phase.
What coping strategy helps reduce stress during transition shock?
Humor and seeking support.
Name one characteristic of an effective mentor
Good listener, empathetic, provides feedback, models professionalism
List one benefit of NRPs.
Increased confidence, stronger communication skills, reduced turnover
Which factor most influences stress during transitions
Preparation
Name a cause of reality shock.
High patient acuity, time pressure, limited resources, expectation to behave like experienced nurses.
Which factor best reduces transition stress?
Predictability and preparedness.
What are the three stages of the mentoring process?
Lead, Follow, and Get Out of the Way.
What does an NRP usually include?
Preceptorship, structured training, professional development.
What is an example of a situational transition?
Starting a new nursing job.
How long are the hardest months for new nurses?
The first 6 months.
What skills are needed for “thinking like a nurse”?
Critical thinking, clinical judgment, and decision-making
What is the difference between formal and informal mentoring?
Formal is structured and organization-driven; informal is voluntary and flexible
What modern trend is increasing accessibility to mentorship?
Virtual mentorship and online residency programs.
Why do transitions cause emotional highs and lows?
Changing responsibilities, expectations, and roles.
What intervention best prevents or reduces reality shock?
Structured support, feedback, and gradual skill progression from a preceptor.
A new grad struggles with time management, delegation, and prioritization. What should the preceptor do?
Provide structured support, feedback, and gradual skill-building.