Make a difference with mentoring

The Editorial in the December 2001 issue, “Findings From Reader Survey on RN Shortage: I Still Love Nursing, but. . .” (December 2001:6), provided a detailed report of comments regarding the current and projected shortages of registered nurses. The summary of these comments reflected concerns and frustrations of today’s nursing environment and brought the reader’s attention to the areas that are in need of change within nursing. This is a time of rapid change in healthcare and though solutions to issues in our work environment and nursing practice are being developed, nurses have the opportunity to use the power that already exists in the role of the bedside nurse^1–3; that role is mentoring. Through mentoring, nurses can continue to create a common bond, feelings of acceptance, and a sense of loyalty within the profession. Mentoring is critical...