Meaningful mentoring founded on trust and transparency can challenge and energize nurses. Mentoring moments occur in our personal and professional worlds and can be intentionally structured or a serendipitous opportunity. When open to the possibilities of mentoring—both as mentor and mentee—nurses are exposed to new ideas and through humility develop a growth mindset to discover their inner potential.

Our shared stories highlight how our global mentoring experience provided a safe space to be vulnerable, build confidence, and practice new ways of thinking. In meaningful, trusting mentoring partnerships, the roles may flip, which fosters a culture of shared creativity to identify innovative approaches and overcome challenges in our personal and professional journeys.

The authentic human connections we developed through our meaningful mentoring experiences allowed us as professional nurses to develop long-lasting relationships, develop our nursing leadership skills, and with joy, always remain aware of the importance of “paying it forward.”