Seven hospitals statewide are participating in a nursing mentoring program administered by the California Nurses Foundation, an affiliate of the California Nurses Association, the East Bay Business Times reports.
The program is noteworthy in that it lasts two years, according to the Business Times. Most other programs at hospitals last six to 10 weeks.
With demand for nurses expected to increase between 2012 and 2030 as baby boomers retire, hospitals are recognizing the value of mentor programs. The programs offer support, which is especially critical during the first two years for new nurses, who could become overwhelmed and quit, according to the Business Times.
The program is based on preliminary data from a study by the foundation that found that nurses with mentors were less likely to quit. According to the results, 35% of nurses without mentors left during the study, compared with 5% of nurses with mentors who left their jobs (Hogarth, East Bay Business Times, 1/29).