Growing School Nurse Leaders A School Nurse Mentorship Program

This article provides an outline for a formal mentorship program within a large suburban school district designed to support new school nurses. Due to rapid growth in school nurse staffing numbers and postpandemic needs, the district revised its orientation and developed a multiyear mentorship program. This program integrates the NASN Framework, an appraisal rubric, and monthly educational meetings to build competence and a sense of belonging. Program feedback reveals a high satisfaction (82%) among new nurses with the current plan. New school nurses valued training on core topics, highlighting that the program needs to be focused on the basics of school nursing and regular accessibility to their mentors. Based on evaluations, the program will be enhanced with one-on-one mentorship and a leadership development committee. A structured, responsive mentoring program is a crucial strategy to improve retention, enhance job satisfaction, and grow future school nurse leaders.