Connect

Thanks to a dedicated nursing retention team and consistently engaged participants, UVA Health’s Nursing Mentorship Program has achieved much success and growth since its launch in 2017. “Mentorship is so meaningful, as it fosters confidence, role modeling, and advocacy — and it allows me to be a great cheerleader!” says Alicia White, BSN, RN, CAPA, RN Clinician 4 (above left), a 2022 mentor to Paige DeLange, ADN, RN, RN Care Coordinator (above right), whose story was featured initially on Connect last year. After completing the “Clinician 1 Transition to Practice” track, White and Paige are back to share updates on their careers and lessons learned from their experience.

Read on to find out why White and DeLange recommend becoming a mentor or mentee, and apply now for one of five Nursing Mentorship Programs: RN Degrees, Clinician 1 Transition to Practice, Night Shift Leaders, Formal Nurse Leaders, and Experienced RNs.

Where are you in your career — one year later? How are you feeling about your future in nursing and at UVA Health?

DeLange: In April, I started in a new position as an RN Care Coordinator in the Department of Neurosurgery. I’m feeling good about my growth as a nurse thus far, and am looking forward to continuing the journey to becoming more confident and well-rounded in my profession.

White: I'm very excited about my future here at UVA Health! I plan to continue to support mentorship programs and educate colleagues on the benefits of being a mentor/mentee as well as encourage participation. I believe mentorship is so meaningful as it fosters confidence, role modeling, advocacy — and allows me to be a great cheerleader!

What lessons did you gain from your mentorship experience? 

DeLange: I didn’t go into the mentorship program with any specific goals, but it connected me with Alicia, who has been a great resource and endless source of support! I was fortunate enough to have a mentor who worked in my same department (Outpatient Surgery) and on the same schedule. Because of this, I was able to learn a lot from Alicia. Although we no longer work together, I know I can still go to her and she will assist me in any way she can. 

White: My goals as a mentor are providing guidance, advocating, exploring goal-setting — while making lifelong connections. I felt that was accomplished while working with Paige. The biggest lesson I gained from my mentorship experience is the importance of being a resource and providing a safe place to help others grow and navigate their career journey.

Would you recommend others participate? 

DeLange: I would! As a new nurse, it's great to have someone on my side to help me navigate new experiences and be a consistent source of support.

White: I would always recommend others to participate in mentorship programs because of the many benefits it brings to both the mentee and mentor. I recognize the unique role mentorship plays in our work life and the positive difference it brings. I'm very passionate about mentorship and all the great mentorship programs we have here at UVA Health!