Finding Confidence and Community: A Perioperative Nurse’s Journey with the AORN Mentor Program

From Scrub Tech to Nurse Educator: A Path to Growth

Samantha Breeding, MSN, RN, CNOR, has spent over eight years in the OR, starting as a scrub tech and now serving as a staff educator at Saint Louis Children's Hospital. After completing her Master's degree in nursing education, she realized she had bigger ambitions.

"I wanted to explore professional development," Samantha said.

Her search led her to the AORN Mentor Program, which transformed her career. She quickly connected with Elizabeth Williams, a perioperative clinical operations nurse manager at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

“We matched the same day, and it’s been an amazing experience ever since,” Samantha said.

Elizabeth Williams: A Mentor’s Commitment

For Elizabeth, mentoring was a natural next step in her career.

“I’ve had great mentors who helped me, and I wanted to give back,” she said. “The AORN Mentor Program allowed me to support new nurses and those aspiring to leadership roles.”

Elizabeth saw Samantha’s potential immediately.

Together, they discussed goals and aspirations, laying the foundation for a plan to build Samantha’s confidence and leadership skills.

A Transformative Experience: Building Confidence and Leadership

With Elizabeth’s guidance, Samantha applied for an assistant nurse manager role, leaning on her mentor for support.

“Elizabeth sent me her interview form and even conducted a mock interview with me,” Samantha said. “She also helped me improve my resume and interview responses. I was offered the position, although I didn’t take it.”

Beyond job preparation, Elizabeth helped Samantha see her strengths.

“She showed me how to promote myself effectively,” Samantha said.

Lighting a Fire: Pushing Beyond Comfort Zones

These new skills ignited a passion for leadership and advocacy.

“Before meeting my mentor, I would have never had the guts to run for a position in AORN, but now I’m the president-elect for the Saint Louis chapter,” Samantha said.

Elizabeth’s involvement in AORN also inspired Samantha to look beyond her hospital’s policies and explore national recommendations and guidelines.

“I’ve brought so much education to my staff that wasn’t even on my radar before. We’re working on continuing to align our practices with the AORN Guidelines, and it’s been a game changer,” she said.

Lessons in Leadership: Growth Beyond the OR

Elizabeth’s mentorship has also extended beyond career advice, helping Samantha handle tough conversations and navigate challenges with clarity.

“She told me I could reach out before difficult meetings, and she’d help me think through them,” Samantha said. “Her advice has shaped how I handle problems and view leadership.”

The Lasting Impact of Mentorship: Growth on Both Sides

Over time, the mentor-mentee relationship has grown into a deep friendship.

“We meet every other week and joke that we’re soulmates because she’s the Tennessee version of me,” Samantha said. “It’s great to have someone outside of work who believes in me.”

For Elizabeth, the experience has been just as rewarding.

“Mentoring has allowed me to form lasting friendships and become a better leader,” she said.

Looking Ahead: From Mentee to Mentor

Now, Samantha is already thinking about becoming a mentor herself.

“Once I finish my mentorship and settle into my chapter president role, I want to mentor someone,” she said.

Her advice for those considering the AORN Mentor Program: “Just do it. Don’t get discouraged if the first match isn’t perfect. The right fit is out there.”

Interested in becoming a mentor or being mentored?

AORN’s Member Mentor Program is a members-only benefit designed to initiate career-long connections to help nurture professional and personal development—and success—for every participant.