Labour and delivery nurse says mentorship was a big part of her professional journey as RN

January is National Mentoring Month, a time to spotlight the impact mentorship has on personal and professional development for our alumni and students. The month honours and celebrates the pivotal role mentors play in guiding, inspiring and nurturing the potential of individuals striving for growth.

After graduation from UCalgary Nursing, Cynthia Wang BN’23 started working as a registered nurse at the Rockyview General Hospital and Foothills Medical Centre on Unit 72, a medicine unit that admits patients from the Emergency Department for medical treatment. Most recently, she took on an RN position in labour and delivery at the Peter Lougheed Centre in Calgary. 

While she was an undergraduate student at the Faculty of Nursing, Wang took part in the NurseMentor program for three of her four years of studies. The program pairs UCalgary alumni RNs with students for one-to-one mentoring. In 2021, she was matched with Mercedes Brown, BN’99, MN’10, a nurse clinician at Rockyview.

• Read Cynthia Wang's testimonial appreciation message to Mercedes Brown

Wang says her mentoring experience with Brown helped her develop confidence in herself as a new nurse. “All of my mentors, clinical instructors, and professors helped me grow to become the nurse I am today,” she says. “I got to ask my questions about concepts and skills that are important for nursing practice and how to stay strong during the tough school year.”

In light of National Mentorship Month, we asked Wang to share her perspective on mentorship as a new alumni nurse and as a former NurseMentor participant.

“Remember that mentors were also students before and know the challenges of learning,” she says. 

“Mentors understand student life and often see your potential to succeed. Learning takes lots of perseverance, and the mentorship program is excellent for meeting your learning goals.”

How has mentorship helped you transition to practice and influenced where you are now?

“My mentor helped me transition to practice by providing insight into how nurses work together on an interdisciplinary team. I better understood different nursing roles in the unit, including the nurse clinician who guides other nurses when they seek advice. 

“Listening to my mentor made me realize the essential leadership role of nurses. My mentor also helped me apply what I learned in theory to my clinical assessments and practical learning. An example is providing health education to patients and ensuring they feel confident at discharge. 

“After I became a Registered Nurse, I decided to become a preceptor and teach nursing students. I had immense support from my NurseMentors and instructors at the University of Calgary, and hope to share my knowledge with nursing students. I feel that nursing is a profession with lifelong learning and many opportunities to teach each other. I will continue to help future nurses succeed in providing quality patient care.”

Do you have any advice for students considering mentorship?

“I encourage joining the mentorship program because you get paired with a nurse who supports your professional development. Every mentor has unique stories to tell and experiences to share. I asked many questions as a nursing student and my mentor guided me through problem-solving and critical thinking.”

Given January is usually a month of resolutions and goals what’s your advice for nurses and students around wellness and self-care?

“Balancing social life and studying is essential to keep up with mental health and self-care. Spending time with family and friends is a great way to refresh for the new year. Find something you enjoy doing to take your mind off studying and you will likely be more efficient when you return to studying afterward. I suggest making time for hobbies and getting enough sleep for the next day. 

“As a student, I gave myself time to play the piano to relax and destress. I also walked outside for fresh air to take breaks from doing homework. Coming back with a fresh mind helped me focus better, and I made more progress that way. As a nurse, having a work-life balance contributes to my wellness and helps me prevent burnout. After all, nurses must care for themselves to provide safe patient care.” 

Any advice for students graduating this year as they go from nursing school into the workforce?

“Transitioning from a nursing student to a registered nurse can be challenging, but you will improve with time and experience. I remember going to my preceptor for advice when I was a student and then having to work independently after graduation. The charge nurse is there to help and the clinical nurse educators are resourceful. I asked questions for clarification, and my coworkers were happy to help. Over time, I began to feel more prepared and confident with my nursing skills. Learning continues beyond graduation, and nursing is a team effort where people support each other.”