This piece is designed to spark conversation about how we support nurse practitioners (NPs) during their training and after they are endorsed.

Celebrating 50 Years of Nurse Practitioners

Nurse practitioners have now been established in Australia for 50 years. This is a significant milestone and a moment to honour the pioneering NPs who forged a path that didn’t yet exist. They did so often without support and had to prove their worth constantly.

Today, the NP workforce continues to grow, supporting patients, the healthcare system, communities, and colleagues. As this career pathway evolves, NP candidates must have access to strong support and appropriate mentors.

The Importance of Mentorship

There are no current guidelines on what is required to be an NP mentor. This will differ wildly between hospitals, states, and universities, which leaves it up to the students themselves to ensure that they are asking for a good fit, that will be a positive, enhancing and educational influence.

As independent clinicians, we strive for excellence and to provide our patients with the best and safest care possible. To do this, we must have laid the best and strongest foundation, starting with selecting a mentor.

Knowing How You Learn

Healthcare education continues to evolve to better support students’ wellbeing and learning needs. Understanding your learning style is vital to finding the right mentor to help you learn best.

Adult learning theory reminds us that adults learn in diverse ways. These include:

• Visual (diagrams, videos)
  
• Verbal (reading, writing)
  
• Kinesthetic (hands-on)
  
• Auditory (lectures, podcasts)
  
• Intrapersonal (self-reflection)
  
• Interpersonal (group work)
  
• Logical (structured systems)
  

Ask yourself: What type of learner am I? Do I prefer audiobooks, group discussions, hands-on practice, or structured approaches? This insight will help you choose a mentor who can truly enhance your learning.

What Is a Mentor?

A mentor encourages, guides, and supports a less experienced nurse while role modelling professional behaviours. This remains true for NP students, though the need is even more significant due to the increased complexity of the role.

Fewer resources are available at this advanced level of practice, and we must work to close that gap.

Learn From Everyone

Nurses are deeply embedded in the healthcare ecosystem, working with multidisciplinary teams daily. Actively seek guidance from pharmacy, physiotherapy, medicine, and social work professionals. These relationships will enrich your learning and professional development.

NPs are expected to assess, diagnose, treat, and refer. A strong and varied support network makes the journey to autonomy smoother.

A Shared Responsibility

As nurses, we have a duty to foster the next generation of clinicians. Supporting aspiring and newly endorsed NPs is essential to building a strong, safe, skilled workforce.

The NP role spans four domains: clinical, leadership, education, and research. To demonstrate leadership and teach others, we must be willing to support those entering the role.

This support should not end after endorsement or employment. It must continue through the years. While no formal post-endorsement process currently exists, we must encourage nurses and NPs to support one another at every stage.

My Story

During my NP training, I was fortunate to be mentored by someone who saw my potential. She recognised that I was safe, thorough, self-reflective, and eager to learn, but lacked confidence. She provided reassurance and encouragement without overwhelming me.

Because I made the right choice for my mentorship, I didn’t just complete my master’s, I flourished. And I even enjoyed the journey.

From Mentee to Mentor

Nursing can take you anywhere. NPs work across various specialties, in hospitals, private practice, and rural settings.

Remaining connected through networking and professional bodies, like the Australian College of Nurse Practitioners, is vital. Support will look different for everyone, but I hope today’s NPs will continue to teach, encourage, and mentor those beginning their journey.

I look forward to doing the same in the years to come.