The first two years of employment within an organization are identified as a crucial period for establishing oneself in practice, becoming part of an organization, and continuing employment. Use of mentoring programs in nursing has led to higher reported satisfaction, with increased retention rates. Globally, there is a gap between the supply of healthcare professionals and demand for these services. Nationally, there is also a shortage of healthcare professionals, while it is projected that the elderly population will experience the largest growth in the next eight years, further exacerbating the workforce shortage. Currently, there is a lack of mentoring programs for nurses in a psychiatric hospital located in North Texas. This facility had experienced tremendous nursing staff turnover. Implementation of a pilot mentoring program for nurses employed at the hospital was undertaken to address the high nursing turnover rate. The objective of this project was to improve job satisfaction and increase a sense of community and belonging amongst nurses by way of a mentoring program.
