Developing a Formal Mentorship Program for New Graduate Pediatric Nurse Practitioners: Supporting Role Transition.

Abstract

Background: New graduate nurse practitioners (NPs) often experience stressful role transition from bedside RN to NP. This evidence-based formal mentorship program was implemented to support new graduate pediatric NPs at a large tertiary pediatric health care system.

Method: A 1-year structured mentorship program was instituted, with measures obtained at 0, 3, 6, and 12 months. Valid surveys that were used include the Novice Nurse Practitioner Role Transition Scale and adapted Safety, Communication, Operational Reliability, and Engagement survey. Self-reflection questions at each point and meeting notes were also incorporated into the program's analysis.

Results: A total of 30 mentees participated in the formal mentorship program. Most mentors and mentees reported their mentoring relationship as successful, with the biggest barriers being time to meet and scheduling conflicts. The most common topics discussed during mentoring meetings were work-life balance, clinical practice, goals, and professional skill development.

Conclusion: This mentorship program successfully demonstrated the value of mentor support as new NPs begin their careers. [J Contin Educ Nurs. 2025;56(3):105-110.].