Why the best mentors aren’t always the most senior

When I began my nursing career in the UK, I was assigned two mentors. One senior and one junior nurse.

Naturally, I expected the senior nurse to lead the way. To check in, teach, and support. But to my surprise, the senior offered no mentorship at all.
No guidance. No encouragement. Just silence.

Instead, it was the junior nurse; yes, the one with fewer years of experience who truly stepped into the role.
She answered my questions, encouraged me, and made space for me to learn safely.
She checked in even when she wasn’t assigned to me. She noticed when I was struggling and showed up.

And in that experience, I learned something I’ll never forget: Mentorship isn’t defined by grade. It is defined by willingness and ability.

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What Makes a Great Nurse Mentor?

They care about your growth, not just their status.
A true mentor wants to see you succeed, not just show off their title.

They’re approachable.
You feel safe asking questions; even the “silly” ones.

They lead by example.
They don’t just tell you what to do, they show you how to do it with excellence.

They remember what it felt like to be new.
That empathy makes all the difference.

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Let’s Redefine Mentorship

It’s time we rethink how we choose and define nurse mentors.

Being given a mentoring title doesn’t automatically make someone a mentor.
And being newer to the profession doesn’t mean you can’t be one.

Mentorship is not about hierarchy, it’s about heart.

When selecting or assigning mentors, whether in nursing schools, hospitals, or wards, we must focus on character first. Commitment should be valued over job grade. we must focus on character and commitment over job grade.

Some of the most impactful mentors are those who remember what it felt like to be unsure. They choose to walk with others until they’re confident.

To every nurse who checks in on a new colleague. You offer quiet encouragement. You lead with humility. You are mentoring. Whether or not you’ve been officially given the title.

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Final Word

If we want to build stronger, more compassionate nursing teams, we need mentors with more than just rank. They must also have the readiness, responsibility, and relational skills to lift others up.

So whether you’re a student, a new nurse, or a seasoned professional, if you have a heart for helping others grow, know this:

You don’t need permission to lead. You just need the intention to serve.

Share your voice

Have you had a mentor who made a lasting impact regardless of their title?
Or maybe you have been that mentor to someone else.

Share your story in the comments or tag A Nurse Like Me in your post.
Let’s shine a light on the nurses who guide with humility and lead with heart.