Mentoring: a professional commitment

Nursing professionals have an obligation to increase the number and quality of nurses of color in the profession. Nursing students of color are often at risk of dropping out of the nursing program. Leaders of the National Black Nurses Association recognize the value of mentoring to improve student retention. Mentors help others reach their life goals by offering their proteges support, nurturing, and professional contacts. Non-traditional students over the age of 25 and students of color especially need the benefits of a mentor to help overcome inherent prejudicial assumptions in the educational system. The Board of Regents of the University of the State of New York recommended support systems to improve retention of students of color. The Queens County Black Nurses Association developed a pilot mentor project in 1991, establishing ten mentor-protege relationships. In 1992, five more relationships were added. Of the initial group, two proteges graduated and completed the NCLEX-RN exam. One student left for failure to meet academic requirements. The remaining seven are making progress, but more programs are needed. Professional nurses who have achieved success are reaching out to assist others whose potential has yet to be tapped. The QCBNA's project goes on, guaranteeing a continuous body of well-trained nurses of color to meet the health care needs of a growing, underserved population.