Mentoring in nursing began with the development of the nursing profession.  Florence Nightingale was referred to as the mentor of matrons.  NOVA has developed the Empower Mentorship Program to help NOVA nurses meet professional goals.  NOVA members can take advantage of this program to pursue their dreams related to professional advancement within the Department of Veterans Affairs. This program helps guide a mutual relationship between with experienced NOVA members who serve as mentors, and mentees who benefit from their expertise and experience. Mentors are able to provide mentees with specific assistance related to current needs, including professional advancement and career development. This program also helps seasoned NOVA members by providing them with the opportunity to serve as mentors, and provide resources to help meet requirements for advancement related to proficiency, education, evidence based practice and research, and professional development.  In addition, NOVA chapters can benefit from mentoring regarding chapter development and potential programs. The Mentorship Program offers additional support for NOVA members providing excellent care to veterans and family members.

Membership surveys have identified benefits of having a mentor.  These include having someone who explains the VA, and somebody outside your VA and VISN who can listen and give advice,.  Mentors have provided guidance for a career, provided knowledge and helpful tips, helped with proficiency input,  provided a sounding board for advice, encouraged thinking outside the box, and helped mentees feel supported as well as challenged.  Mentees have identified that having a mentor means receiving advice from someone who is really smart and has a lot of VA experience.  

There are also benefits for mentors.  These include the opportunity of giving back, sharing your knowledge, expertise, and skills; having the ability to impart knowledge and see a mentee grow professionally. adding value to a career, and the satisfaction of helping a mentee.  Other benefits include learning while teaching others, creating wonderful relationships, and helping someone learn the VA system.  Mentors expressed satisfaction with seeing mentees achieve goals, and helping chapter leaders make plans to improve the chapter.

Should you ask for a mentor?  Would you like help navigating the VA system, developing supportive and encouraging relationships, guidance in professional, personal, and interpersonal growth?  Would you like to connect with seasoned NOVA members to benefit from their expertise and experience?  Would you like specific assistance related to current needs?  Are you willing to complete the program requirements and work with a mentor to achieve your goals?  If yes, request a mentor on NOVA’s web page.

Should you become a mentor?  Have you worked in the VA for a year or more?  Do you know things now that you wished somebody told you when you first started in VA?  Do you like helping people? Do you want to enrich your time in VA?  Do you want to help people navigate the sometimes confusing routes to promotion and career development in the VA? Do you want to answer questions from VA nurses who would like help with a situation they’re encountering at work?  Do you want to help VA nurses start a NOVA chapter or help make a NOVA chapter better?  Do you want to make a difference? If you answered yes to any of these questions, sign up to be a mentor on NOVA’s web page.