Your Practice: Why Mentors Matter in Perioperative Nursing

Periop nurses thrive on dealing with constant change.

We adapt to new technologies. We learn and adopt advances in surgical techniques. And we keep up with new and revised evidence-based clinical guidelines. Managing the pace of these changes is challenging. Fortunately, we have webinars, journal articles, and facility- or vendor-based education to stay current.

But some challenges are harder to address.

That’s where incredibly passionate and experienced people like Evelyn Jamilosa, RN come in. Now retired, Evelyn serves as a mentor to the next generation of periop nurses, offering insights and knowledge she amassed working as a perioperative nurse for over 40 years.

“I’m excited to have these connections. It’s rewarding to see their joy, share ideas, and support them as we work through a problem,” says Evelyn. “It’s kind of like reliving my career all over again – and the respect goes both ways.”

Some challenges are timeless, explains Evelyn, “It’s the day-to-day stuff. I help work through communication challenges, you know, how to deal with tough interactions. We walk through procedures, just anything that is helpful. Sometimes it’s just being there so they can talk to someone who understands how tough it can be.”

The Benefits of Mentorship for Perioperative Nurses

Studies cited in AORN Journal articles show having a mentor can make nurses happier at work, help them stay in their jobs longer, and grow in their careers. Mentors give essential support and guidance, especially to new nurses, helping them learn new skills and grow personally and professionally.

Mentors can also introduce new nurses to other professionals and help them find opportunities to advance in their jobs. This leads to a better, more successful career for the new nurse and supports the whole healthcare organization.

What Nurses Want in a Mentor

Evelyn has had great mentors in her long career who helped her succeed. She advises nurses who are looking for a great mentor to look for someone they’re drawn to and who is passionate about perioperative nursing. “Have conversations with nurses who are approachable, seek their guidance and advice, and get to know someone you respect,” she says. “When there’s a connection you’ll know.”

Essential Qualities to Look for in a Great Mentor:

Clinical expertise: A mentor should know a lot about perioperative nursing. This helps them teach, guide, and solve problems with their mentee. Mentees who trust their mentor’s skills feel more confident in their growth.

Good communication: Mentors need to be able to talk clearly and effectively. They should share their thoughts, give helpful feedback, and listen to their mentee’s concerns and ideas. This creates a supportive environment where mentees feel comfortable asking for help.

Emotional intelligence: Mentors should understand and respond to other people’s feelings. They should recognize their mentee’s emotions, make them feel heard, and give the proper support. This builds trust between the mentor and mentee.

Availability and approachability: New nurses need a mentor who is there for them and easy to talk to. This means being responsive when the mentee needs help and making them feel comfortable asking questions.

Encouragement and support: A great mentor helps their mentee grow personally and professionally. They can help set and reach goals, give chances to learn, and celebrate successes.

Adaptability and flexibility: Every mentee is different and may need different kinds of help. Good mentors can change their guidance and support to meet each mentee’s needs and goals.

Patience and resilience: Mentoring can be challenging, and mentors must be patient and strong to help their mentee through hard times. This includes giving comfort, encouragement, and steady support.

Mentors play a big part in the success of perioperative nurses. By giving guidance, support, and chances to grow, mentors help shape their mentees’ careers and make them better professionals. In addition, by understanding what new nurses want in a mentor, experienced perioperative nurses can be great mentors.

AORN Member Mentor Program

We’re looking for mentors and mentees for the AORN Member Mentor Program.

AORN is preparing for the 2023-2024 mentoring session. The application period begins in June 2023 for our next session that will run August 2023 – May 2024.

Sign-up to Be Notified

Mentor and mentee spaces fill up fast. We encourage you to sign up for a member alert.