Mentorship Matters: How Texas Children’s is Shaping Long-Term Nurse Success through Mentorship
At Texas Children’s Hospital, we are deeply committed to the growth and professional development of our nursing team. Nursing mentorship is a cornerstone of this commitment and our Mentorship Matters! Nurse Mentorship Program, relaunched in January 2025, is designed to support nurses by providing guidance and opportunities to grow.
The Need for Mentorship in Nursing
Nurses face a variety of challenges as they progress in their careers, whether they are starting in a new role, transitioning into leadership or seeking to deepen their clinical expertise. These challenges are heightened in fast-paced, high-stakes environments like Texas Children’s, where the commitment to excellence is matched only by the complexity of the care provided. A structured mentorship program is vital for helping nurses navigate these challenges and fostering both personal and professional growth.
At Texas Children’s, our mentorship program has evolved over the years to better meet the needs of nurses. “Our whole nursing community benefits from mentorship,” explains Nursing Professional Development Specialist Beth Pali. She has played a pivotal role in the program’s recent redesign, which aims to not only support nurse residents but any new or transitioning nurse looking to foster professional growth, development and leadership skills in a supportive environment.
“Having previously benefitted from our nurse mentorship program in both the mentee and mentor roles, I was eager to take on this project and see it flourish,” she shares.
Insights from Mentors—The Power of Giving Back
Lauren Ivanhoe, a Clinical Staff Development Specialist at Texas Children’s, is a mentor in the program’s current cohort. With a career that spans various roles in nursing, Lauren has always valued ongoing learning. Frustrations early in her career with finding ways to grow on her own, as well as transformative experiences in nursing professional development, shaped her decision to become a mentor herself.
Fueled by her passion for supporting others and giving back, Lauren says: “Mentorship is a proven strategy to support growth and goal achievement of people both personally and professionally. I want to bless others with the blessings I have so richly received.”
Flexibility is one of the program’s key strengths, allowing both mentors and mentees to tailor their interactions to meet individual goals. “After only two mentorship sessions, I am hooked! I’ve been able to support my mentee to develop and rethink her SMART goals so that the program will meet her needs and be a valuable use of her time and energy,” says Lauren.
Lauren acknowledges mentoring goes beyond imparting knowledge and powerfully impacts both mentees and mentors. She is growing together with her mentee. “I have the unique opportunity to meet new, diverse and incredible people, and grow my own skills in mentoring as I work to address the unique challenges of others,” she reflects.
Mentorship for Personal and Professional Growth
Liz Rincones, who is a nurse in the cardiovascular ICU at Texas Children’s, sees the mentorship program as a pivotal part of her career development. While Liz is not new to Texas Children’s, having worked at the hospital in various capacities before returning to school for nursing, she is in her first year as a nurse. Liz joined the mentorship program with the goal of strengthening her clinical skills and advancing her nursing career.
Liz’s experience in the program has already had a significant impact. She explains, “The program has given me the space to set goals and discuss them openly, which has been incredibly motivating.”
One area that Liz has struggled with in her new role is time management, an issue many new nurses face in fast-paced environments like the ICU. “Allow yourself to get uncomfortable to grow,” she advises anyone considering the mentorship program. “It’s worth it to become a better healthcare provider and person.” Through mentorship, Liz has received valuable support in developing strategies for managing her responsibilities more effectively, building her confidence along the way.
The structure of the program, with monthly check-ins and ongoing support, ensures that Liz can count on her mentor for guidance whenever needed, helping her set and achieve meaningful goals and career milestones.
The Enhanced Nurse Mentorship Program: Structure and Flexibility
The redesigned Nurse Mentorship Program at Texas Children’s is built around one clear goal: to foster both personal and professional growth in a safe and supportive environment. By matching experienced mentors with less experienced mentees based on common interests and goals, the program encourages nurses to build lasting relationships that extend beyond the formal six-month timeline.
Accountability and structure give program participants the tools they need to succeed, fostering a productive and supportive mentorship experience. A two-hour workshop establishes clear expectations so that everyone understands their roles and responsibilities. This helps participants stay focused and aligned with their goals. Regular monthly check-ins provide ongoing support and guidance to keep both mentors and mentees on track.
Meanwhile, adaptability ensures that mentors and mentees forge a connection that is truly meaningful, creating a lasting impact. “We’ve intentionally kept the program flexible and non-prescriptive to allow these relationships to grow in a way that best suits the participants’ needs,” Beth explains.
Looking Ahead—The Future of Nursing Mentorship
By supporting nurses in their individual career journeys and creating an environment where nurses can connect, learn and grow together, the nurse mentorship program strengthens our entire organization, building a stronger, more cohesive team. As she looks to the future, Beth envisions a program that evolves with the needs of our nursing team, extending opportunities to nurses at every stage of their careers and in all of our locations, to benefit from mentorship.
She shares, “We want nurses to be happy, to build relationships that continue to grow into lifelong professional networks. It positively impacts patient outcomes.”
Join the Texas Children’s Team
At Texas Children’s, we believe that investing in our nurses through mentorship is one of the most impactful ways to ensure long-term success—for both our nursing team and the patients we serve. If you’re a nurse looking to grow your career and make a lasting difference in the lives of children and families, we invite you to apply for opportunities at Texas Children’s. Together, we can continue to Be the Difference, building a future where nurses thrive, and patient care remains exceptional.
