Get a mentor

As a nursing student, finding an instructor at your school or a preceptor in your clinical setting or both can be extremely helpful.  So if you find an instructor you feel comfortable with in class or a nurse in your clinical setting that you bond with, keep in touch with them and let them know how you are doing from time to time.  They can help guide you through the nursing world, dispensing advice and wisdom as you go.

They can be your advocate, helping you find your way. Help you find that perfect job, or give you an in where they already work, keeping an eye and ear out for you. They could write you a letter of reference, helping you get the job of your dreams.

Sometimes, family and non-nursing friends are hard to talk with about nursing school and/or the profession of nursing. Your mentor can be an listening ear, letting you talk about all you concerns and fears, and answer any questions you may have.

Most nurses have lots of advice and thoughts and opinions about many things nursing and we are more than happy to give those thoughts. I had a few instructors and a few preceptors I wish I had done this with. I regret not keeping in touch with them as I would have learnd a lot. However, I did meet some wonderful, caring “seasoned” nurses in my first year, who became my mentors and who were in valuable to my success. I still keep in touch with some today.

Always keep it in the back of your mind, who might be a good mentor to you, and I always say, you can never have too many mentors, as they will all offer something different.