Provincial Nursing Mentorship Initiative

The Provincial Nursing Mentorship Initiative will support regional health authorities to develop, implement and evaluate regional nursing mentorship activities in Saskatchewan. 

The initiative supports new graduate nurses as they transition from a student role to a professional role. Mentoring is a process by which an experienced and knowledgeable practitioner (mentor) supports, inspires and nurtures the professional role socialization of a less experienced practitioner (protégé).

Goals

• To improve recruitment and retention rates.
• To facilitate professional role transition for new graduate nurses.
• To assist with succession planning.
• To increase understanding, awareness, and insight into the benefits and contributions of mentorship to quality workplaces.
• To promote a mentorship culture within health workplaces in Saskatchewan.
• To recognize leadership of experienced staff.
• To promote receptiveness toward new graduates and new employees by work units.
• To contribute to respectful workplaces.

Process 

After obtaining employment with a Regional Health Authority (RHA), new graduates are encouraged to contact the regional nursing mentorship coordinator to formally register in the Nursing Mentorship Initiative.  Mentors and new graduates are encouraged to attend a mentorship workshop.  Workshop attendance will support the development of a strong and effective mentorship relationship.    

Coordination

Saskatchewan Ministry of Health will work with the RHAs to develop and implement the mentorship program, facilitate workshops, and conduct a program evaluation.

Five RHAs have each hired a coordinator and support other regions in the implementation of this program.

• Prince Albert will support the Prairie North, Keewatin Yatthé, and Mamawetan Churchill River Health Regions.
• Regina Qu’Appelle.
• Saskatoon will support Heartland Health Region.
• Five Hills will support the Cypress and Sun Country Health Regions.
• Sunrise will support the Kelsey Trail Health Region.

For more information about the mentorship program, contact your regional mentorship coordinator.