Mentor Programs as a Strategic Approach to Nurse Retention: Integrative Review

The purpose of this integrative review is to identify commonalties of mentor program success demonstrated by registered nurse retention to support DNP leaders seeking to address the nursing shortage by retaining newly licensed and experienced registered nurses. Mentor programs offer nurse leaders a low-cost solution with a high return on investment to address nurse retention. The United States is facing a tremendous nursing shortage compounded by multiple factors, including an unprecedented global pandemic. An aging population is leaving the profession while the new generation of nurses struggle to find their niche. Registered nurses make up the largest sector of health care workers. Retaining newly licensed nurses is essential to the future of health care and the nursing profession. Nurse leaders need proven solutions that are easily identifiable to tackle the monumental nursing shortage on the horizon