Sometimes the line between thriving and burning out as a new nurse comes down to two words: nurse mentorship. 

In this episode, Brandi and Darlene are joined by public health nurses Katryna and Hayley, a mentor–mentee duo from rural Manitoba, to talk about how trust, teamwork, and a little guidance can change everything for nurses starting out.

Plus, in this week’s That Good Shift segment, members share heartfelt thank-you messages to the mentors who helped guide their journey.

Whether you’re a seasoned nurse looking to support the next generation or a new grad searching for guidance, this conversation proves mentorship can really make all the difference.

Mentorship research shows that:

• Junior nurses have a faster, safer transition to practice with a higher competency, have higher job satisfaction and increased intention to stay, as well as generally better psychological outcomes (greater sense of belonging, reduced stress). 
• Mentors also see benefits like increased job satisfaction and a sense of fulfillment from their work, leadership, and professional development skills. 
• Similar benefits are seen in both formal and informal mentorship relationships, but formal mentorship programs do have some additional benefits, such as structure (goals, timelines, clear roles), good/intentional matching, monitoring and evaluation, and resources (time, mentor training).

But, without enough nurse mentors:

• New grads leave sooner, and turnover rises.
• Burnout and stress increase for seasoned nurses, and a lack of mentoring during transition amplifies workload stress and moral distress.
• New grads face longer, riskier “transition shock” without mentorship.
• New grads have lower confidence and competence in clinical skills.
• Patient safety is at risk when retention and mentorship supports fail.
• Units struggle to sustain a strong learning culture.

Research compiled by MNU Researcher Michelle Lark.