Two UCF College of Nursing alumni share their experience in the Knight nurse mentorship program, and its benefits to both mentors and mentees.
“I’m the first nurse in my family, so to have specific nursing questions answered by someone who has experienced what I’m experiencing was really helpful,” says Erin Lutz ’24BSN of her recent experience in the Knight nurse mentorship program.
The program connects UCF College of Nursing alumni with students preparing to enter the workforce either as newly licensed registered nurses, nurse practitioners or nurse scientists. Mentors and mentees are connected based on similar backgrounds and professional interests.
Lutz, who is interested in critical care nursing, was paired with Madison Tyler ’10 ’16BSN. Tyler is a clinical assistant nurse manager in the vascular step-down unit at Orlando Health where she has worked for the last eight years. She began her career at Orlando Health, initially in patient transport before becoming a critical care nurse, and now a preceptor and leader.
Tyler’s mentorship was invaluable to Lutz, providing first-hand knowledge and insights to help her navigate the final year of the bachelor’s in nursing degree program and transition to practice. The two conversed about everything from scholarship essays, resume writing, job interviewing, national registered nurse licensing exam (NCLEX-RN) preparation, career paths, and more.
Thanks to Tyler’s advice, Lutz was awarded a nursing scholarship and accepted to her first choice of a practical placement in the intensive care unit.
Tyler has mentored three UCF nursing graduates prior to Lutz, and all have successfully passed the NCLEX-RN on their first-attempt. Lutz takes her NCLEX-RN later this summer, and hopes to begin working as a cardiothoracic intensive care nurse in her home state of New York by the fall.
“She’s been super supportive and helpful, and I’m really grateful for her,” says Lutz. “New grad life is challenging and super overwhelming, so it’s just nice to talk to someone who has gone through it and understands.”
The benefits of nursing mentorship programs to mentees, like Lutz, extend beyond advice and support. According to the American Nurses Association, mentees also benefit from greater career satisfaction, reduced stress with transitioning roles, an expanded professional network, and more.
Mentors also benefit from the mentorship relationship by gaining a fresh perspective, re-energizing their passion for nursing, contributing toward nursing’s future, and strengthening communication skills.
For Tyler, becoming a mentor was a way to pay it forward. “I have had a lot of mentors in different capacities throughout my career so far, and I’ve found it incredibly valuable to have somebody provide expertise and guidance,” she says.
“It’s also rewarding to witness the students’ progression over the year and hear their success after graduation,” she adds.
Tyler isn’t the only one paying it forward. In addition to being a mentee, Lutz was a mentor to three junior nursing students during her senior year at UCF. She advised students on how to study, time-management, and tips for managing the rigorous program.
Her advice to future students, “Get involved, do an externship, ask questions, and keep networking.”
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