Your Practice: Why Mentors Matter in Perioperative Nursing
Our very own Evelyn Jamilosa, RN was featured in an AORN article about the importance of mentoring.
Periop nurses thrive on dealing with constant change.
We adapt to new technologies. We learn and adopt advances in surgical techniques. And we keep up with new and revised evidence-based clinical guidelines. Managing the pace of these changes is challenging. Fortunately, we have webinars, journal articles, and facility- or vendor-based education to stay current.
But some challenges are harder to address.
That’s where incredibly passionate and experienced people like Evelyn Jamilosa, RN come in. Now retired, Evelyn serves as a mentor to the next generation of periop nurses, offering insights and knowledge she amassed working as a perioperative nurse for over 40 years.
“I’m excited to have these connections. It’s rewarding to see their joy, share ideas, and support them as we work through a problem,” says Evelyn. “It’s kind of like reliving my career all over again – and the respect goes both ways.”
Some challenges are timeless, explains Evelyn, “It’s the day-to-day stuff. I help work through communication challenges, you know, how to deal with tough interactions. We walk through procedures, just anything that is helpful. Sometimes it’s just being there so they can talk to someone who understands how tough it can be.”
The Benefits of Mentorship for Perioperative Nurses
Studies cited in AORN Journal articles show having a mentor can make nurses happier at work, help them stay in their jobs longer, and grow in their careers. Mentors give essential support and guidance, especially to new nurses, helping them learn new skills and grow personally and professionally.
Mentors can also introduce new nurses to other professionals and help them find opportunities to advance in their jobs. This leads to a better, more successful career for the new nurse and supports the whole healthcare organization.
What Nurses Want in a Mentor
Evelyn has had great mentors in her long career who helped her succeed. She advises nurses who are looking for a great mentor to look for someone they’re drawn to and who is passionate about perioperative nursing. “Have conversations with nurses who are approachable, seek their guidance and advice, and get to know someone you respect,” she says. “When there’s a connection you’ll know.”
