Nurses grow confidence, competence and careers through mentorship

Nursing Mentorship Network pilot to foster leaders, teams and meaningful connections

Story by Janine Poersch

It started on a whim. While juggling her Master of Nursing and work as a nurse, Zoe Bowen signed up for the Nursing Mentorship Network in 2022, seeking a mentor for career guidance. In two short years, she’s moved from bedside nurse to educator to leader — a major leap she never imagined.

“I was searching for clarity on whether I wanted to pursue a nurse practitioner, clinical specialist, education or leadership position,” Bowen recalls, facing a crossroad in her career at the time.

The Nursing Mentorship Network — a virtual space connecting nurses with mentors or mentees — proved to be exactly what Bowen needed. “The guidance and support from my mentor helped me refine my goals, apply actionable advice and seize new opportunities that accelerated my career development,” she says. She had matched with seasoned nursing leader and chief nursing officer Fadumo Robinson after stumbling across her profile.

“Mentorship plays a critical role in developing leaders, building teams and creating meaningful connections,” says Robinson, stressing that both mentees and mentors benefit equally. “No matter where you are in your career or whether you are a mentor or mentee — everyone gains from mentorship, including the broader healthcare system and discipline of nursing,” she adds.

Multiple studies on mentorship point to these positive outcomes, such as job satisfaction, engagement, professional and leadership development, confidence and competence for both the mentee and mentor. Additionally, mentors experience a stronger sense of fulfilment due to their role in shaping the next generation of nurses.

For Robison, mentorship mirrors her own leadership journey over 25 years. “Each mentorship relationship is deeply rewarding,” adds Robinson, who mentors four nurses at different career stages — from front-line nurses to experienced leaders.

Over two years, as the pair met virtually every two months, Bowen’s career path became clearer. “With the help of my mentor, I engaged in self-reflection, exploring my strengths and passions,” she says.

Through their conversations, Bowen’s perspective on nursing broadened, seeing career paths across healthcare, education and in leadership. As her self-discovery journey progressed, she realized that leadership aligned most closely to her values. This newfound clarity led her to refocus her Master’s on healthcare leadership.

“Through this process, I realized what truly resonates with me,” she says, reflecting on a journey that gave her purpose and direction.

Bowen credits the mentorship for providing a safe space to share challenges and successes while transitioning from bedside nurse to care manager in Seniors, Palliative and Continuing Care. “It’s been crucial to stay motivated and resilient.”

Robinson emphasizes: “Given the stress inherent in healthcare, whether in direct care or leadership, it’s vital to have a safe space for exploring ideas and engaging in supported, non-judgmental conversations. This is essential for reflecting on practice and growing as a leader.”

Between exchanging ideas, tacking challenges and sharing guidance, the network has proven instrumental for Bowen’s and Robinson’s commitment to personal and professional growth.

Looking ahead, the Network is piloting a new nine-month program to offer more structured support for mentors and mentees in the new year. Nurses will be matched based on career goals and experience, have regular check-ins and access to learning resources.

Bowen believes the new pilot will help build stronger connections, especially for those struggling to find a mentor or mentee.

Now, Bowen is paying it forward, having recently joined as a mentor in the Network’s Speed Matching Session. “I look forward to sharing my experiences and insights with others while learning from my mentee in a new way.”