Mentoring provides support to new graduate nurses through the Arizona Transition to Practice Program
Tammy Franqueiro, DNP, RN, NPD-BC, CENP, director of nursing education and professional development at the University of South Florida, Florida Center for Nursing, has more than three decades of experience in nursing which includes bedside care and leadership positions. Through each of these roles, she’s seen firsthand how support and professional development contribute to the success of new nurses.
Inspired by making a difference through building a strong, resilient workforce, Tammy joined the Arizona Transition to Practice Program for New Graduate Registered Nurses as a mentor. Read on to learn more about her experience with the program.
From your perspective, how does the Arizona Transition to Practice Program for New Graduate Registered Nurses support the transition from student to a confident, practicing nurse?
As a mentor to new nurses in the Arizona Transition to Practice Program for New Graduate Registered Nurses, I have seen how the program empowers new nurses to build not only clinical competence but also critical thinking, emotional intelligence and professional identity—qualities essential for success as a registered nurse in today’s healthcare environment. The Arizona Transition to Practice Program serves as a model for other states looking to establish a structured program to support new-to-practice nurses as they transition from student to competent, confident clinician.
What are some of the common challenges new nurses face, and how do you help your mentees navigate those challenges?
New nurses frequently struggle with the transition to professional practice, feeling that they are falling short of expectations that they or others place on them, which can lead to burnout and moral distress. By creating a psychologically safe space for open dialogue, I am able to normalize their experiences and coach them to set realistic goals using resources available to them.
Can you describe a moment where you saw a new nurse grow in confidence or skill because of your support?
One of my mentees began the program questioning her choice of the specialty department she selected as her first nursing position. Through regular check-ins, reflective exercises and shared strategies for managing stress, I witnessed a personal transformation. She determined she should be ‘all in’ with this experience, allowing her to seek out many clinical and professional learning experiences, which made her more confident in her skills and abilities as a nurse. By the end of the program, she had taken the initiative to reach out to the department’s nurse manager to discuss available opportunities she could be a part of. Her evolution from hesitant novice to emerging leader was a powerful reminder of the impact of consistent support and mentorship.
How has participating in the program changed the way you approach mentoring?
Since I live outside of Arizona, my mentees and I have met virtually, using technology to stay connected. While I may not have an awareness of the specific work environment for each participant, I have been able to refine my listening skills to tailor my guidance to the individual needs of each mentee.
How has this experience contributed to your own professional growth?
Serving as a mentor keeps me connected with the core values of nursing—connection, collaboration and lifelong learning. It has sharpened my skills as a coach and leader and reminded me of the need to nurture established and emerging professional relationships. The opportunity to mentor within the Arizona Transition to Practice Program has made me a better nurse, educator and advocate for the profession.