Disclaimer! *This article is not meant to make fun of or make anyone feel bad.  In no way, does this article represent anything any hospital or health system stands for.  It is purely our opinions of what makes a great and not so great mentor, and we want you to be a GREAT mentor! *

1.      Show up late and not ready to teach.

2.      Leave the orientee and not communicate with them.

3.      Hover and don’t let them fly.

4.      Not answer questions or run-through scenarios.

5.      Switch schedule without letting the orientee know.  We know real life gets busy.  If you switch your schedule, let them know! They may want to switch their day too, or it will give time for the leadership to find another great mentor.

6.      Not have crucial conversations with the orientee. This is a hard one. You don’t want it to get awkward, I get it, but you are the one that is with the orientee consistently. If they have an issue, they need to hear it from the mentor.

7.      Not asking for a break when you need one.  Mentoring is hard, it’s basically a second job at your first one.  Let your leadership know when you need a break so you don’t get burned out!

8.      Skip mentor meetings.  Mentor roundtables, meetings, classes are all meant to help you become the best mentor possible. 

9.      Not advocating for your orientee.  Call in to get assignments they need so they can learn!

10.      Gossiping about your orientee. They are already in the fight of their life trying to become a nurse, be nice.