Senior nurses follow mentorship training programme |16 January 2024

The senior nurses during the opening session of the workshop yesterday

A group of 16 senior nurses is following a comprehensive two-week mentorship training programme to address challenges faced by newly graduated nurses entering the healthcare workforce.

The training, which got under way yesterday morning, is taking place at the Blue Roof building, Seychelles Hospital, and is being facilitated by chief nursing officer, Dr Gylian Mein.

According to research, mentorship reduces turnover rates and improves job satisfaction.

Dr Mein emphasises the need for clinical mentoring to support new nurses in navigating the demanding healthcare environment, promoting their success and well-being in their careers.

The programme acknowledges hurdles such as lack of confidence and limited clinical experience, and aims to bridge gaps, enhance clinical skills, and foster professional development.

The objectives of the mentorship training is to equip experienced nurses with the necessary skills and knowledge to become effective mentors for newly graduated nurses as well as facilitate the smooth transition of newly graduated nurses into the clinical environment.

It is also to enhance the professional development of both mentors and mentees and improve patient care quality and safety by ensuring well-supported and competent nursing staff.

Dr Mein said the experienced nurses know how to address those challenges because they were once in those shoes.

“You will not only be their mentors, but educator, counsellor, and support throughout the orientation,” said Dr Mein.

It should be noted that all the 16 participants have mentored newly graduated students in the past. Brigitte Claire Mathiot is a nursing officer in the Northern Region, which covers Beau Vallon and Glacis and has been working with the Ministry of Health for 25 years. She hopes to gain more knowledge and skills on how to approach the new nurses. “I want to learn how to mentor them so that in the future our health system in Seychelles improves.”

“It is not something new. It was just not official yet. We were not doing any sessions like now,” said Veena Jean, a senior nurse on the male surgical ward. She has been working with the Ministry of Health for 10 years and said she will now be better equipped to handle the new recruits.

This was echoed by Garry Woodcock, a senior staff nurse in the Operating Theatre with 24 years of service.  “It will help them to transition from theory to practical.”

Dr Mein plans to reach around 20 nursing graduates each year through the programme.

Anika Cathene/Press release from the Ministry of Health

Photos by Kurtrine Albert