The Quest for Compassionate Mentorship in Education and Healthcare

 

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It is with a heavy heart that I must admit, despite obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, a Master's in Science in Nursing Education with a Clinical Educator component, and a post-masters graduate degree as a Family Nurse Practitioner, I still feel that there is much to be learned. Like so many others, my journey has been fraught with challenges, particularly exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Graduating as a Family Nurse Practitioner during this unprecedented time presented a unique set of difficulties, the most significant being the struggle to find preceptors. These seasoned professionals guide students through their clinical rotations, providing the essential hands-on experience and mentorship that bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. Unfortunately, such guidance was complex, and I found myself in the disheartening position of having to pay out of my pocket to secure a preceptor.

While I understand that education isn't free and resources are often stretched thin, the necessity to pay for mentorship is a symptom of a deeper issue within our educational and healthcare systems. The role of a preceptor is not just to oversee clinical practice but to nurture the development of future healthcare professionals. It should be a role undertaken with a sense of duty and a commitment to the profession.

Reflecting on my family's dedication to teaching and my own experiences, the essence of effective education lies in compassion and patience. 

My mother worked literally until the day she died. For 32 years, she dedicated herself to teaching elementary school children, and towards the end of her career, she was working on a Master of Arts degree to teach higher-level education. My dad and my aunts are also a teachers. I come from a family of educators, and I reflect on the state of teaching today with a heavy heart and a critical eye.

Despite my family's inspiring legacy, my personal experience with education has often been disappointing. In all my years of learning, I have encountered only a few teachers who genuinely cared whether their students retained the knowledge imparted to them. Far too often, I have seen teachers present information and then leave students to figure out what to do with it on their own. While this method may serve some purpose, I believe it falls short of effective teaching.

Actual teaching requires more than just presenting information; it demands engagement and understanding. It involves showing students how to do things and explaining the why behind them. This process takes time and patience; qualities often need more supply in our fast-paced educational system. Every student learns at a different pace and in various ways. I learn best through repetition and visual aids. While I can retain some verbal information, my ability to reproduce what I have learned increases dramatically when I can see and understand the process and reasoning behind it.

The current state of education often neglects these nuances. Students are diverse in their learning styles, and a one-size-fits-all approach to teaching needs to be revised. Effective education should cater to individual needs, fostering an environment where students are shown how to do things and understand why they are doing them. This approach helps retain information, develop critical thinking skills, and deepen appreciation for the subject matter.

I have always hoped to find someone who would take me under their wing, not out of financial necessity but out of a genuine passion for teaching and a desire to see their mentees succeed. I believe proper education extends beyond imparting knowledge; it fosters a supportive and enriching learning environment where students can grow professionally and personally.

Despite the setbacks and the hurdles, I have not lost hope. I am still on my quest, driven by the belief that there are teachers and mentors out there who are passionate about their work and eager to share their wisdom with the next generation of healthcare professionals. These individuals understand that the investment in education is not just about immediate returns but about cultivating a more competent, compassionate, and capable workforce for the future.

In conclusion, while becoming a proficient and compassionate Family Nurse Practitioner has been more challenging than anticipated, I remain hopeful. The search for mentors who embody the spirit of teaching and mentorship continues. I can become a better professional and person in my field with the proper guidance and support. To all the educators and mentors who dedicate themselves to this noble pursuit, your efforts do not go unnoticed, and your impact is profound.