People
100% of staff committed
to “the Why”
EXEMPLARY PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE
Strength and Success
Through Mentorship
The Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at Children’s Hospital Colorado has grown exponentially in the
past five years. With increased need for both beds and clinical staff, this unit saw a large amount
of new hires.
NICOLETTE KELLEY,
BAN, RN, CCRN
Many of these hires had a difficult time identifying a peer they could trust, who could help guide
them once they finished orientation. Lacking an existing formal mentorship program, PICU nurses
Nicolette Kelley, BAN, RN, CCRN and Amelia Wirth, BSN, RN created one.
Kelly and Wirth coordinated the pairing of new hires with more experienced staff members and
created a program packet of materials to implement the relationship: a checklist to get started,
a contract for both members to sign, goals, tracking sheets and other resources. The formal
mentorship program lasts six months. Every two months, Kelly and Wirth connect with the pair
to check in on progress and to ensure the mentee is getting the support they need. They also put
on two social events during the year, where staff can get together as a mentorship group to share
experiences and best practices.
Since the launch of the program they’ve paired 31 new hires (both nurses and clinical assistants)
with mentors, and only one mentee has resigned from the organization — a 25.5 percent decrease
in new hire turnover.
10
AMELIA WIRTH,
BSN, RN
People | 11