Mentorship 

men-tor-ship 

ˈmen(t)ərˌSHip/  (noun)

1.   the guidance provided by a mentor, especially an experienced person in a company or educational institution.

2.   a relationship between two people where the individual with more experience and knowledge is able to pass along what they have learned to a more junior individual within a certain field. 

ABOUT

The SANP Mentorship Program was developed by the SANP Mentorship Executive to provide support and valuable advice to new Nurse Practitioners (NPs) at a critical point in their careers. The SANP completed a pilot project for the 2022-2023 year, with its official launch in 2023-2024. Mentors share their experiential knowledge to assist mentees in their transition from graduate studies to their new clinical role. This experience may include guidance and advice on career transition, clinical resources, procedural skills, and work-life balance. Mentorship goals are set by the mentee, and each mentor/mentee relationship will set their own parameters. 

When matched with the mentor, mentees are strongly encouraged to take the lead in the relationship to ensure that they are making the most of the experience. When matched, both parties meet on a regular basis and have contact through email, phone or in-person meetings. The duration of the mentor/mentee relationship is from October to May, but can continue after the program has concluded if desired by both parties. The program is NOT an employment program, and the mentor/mentee relationship is considered to be voluntary.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

To apply for the SANP Mentorship Program, mentees need to:

  • be registered in good standing with the College of Registered Nurses of Saskatchewan (CRNS) as a NP 

  • be less than 12 months from completing graduate nursing studies, or

  • be registered in good standing with the CRNS as a Graduate Nurse Practitioner (GNP), and

  • hold an Active Membership with the SANP.

Mentors should:

  • be registered in good standing with the College of Registered Nurses of Saskatchewan (CRNS) as a NP, 

  • have a minimum of 5 years experience as a NP, and

  • hold an Active Membership with the SANP.

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

Both mentor and mentee are required to:

  • participate in an initial program overview meeting (virtual), 

  • schedule a mentor/mentee planning session to discuss mentee goals and learning objectives, 

  • establish individual relationship terms while taking into account the unique needs of both the mentor and mentee,

  • provide feedback in pre- and post-mentorship surveys,

  • participate in a midterm and final mentorship virtual meeting of all program members,

  • provide a time commitment for October to May of the mentorship year, with suggested time commitment of:

    • one to three hours per month, and 

    • agreement to respond to communication within 72 hours.