BWH’s Diversity Mentorship Program Promises to Attract a Diverse Work Force
The Nursing department held its sixth annual diversity mentorship recognition luncheon on Aug. 16, 2002. The Diversity Mentorship Program (formerly known as the Minority Mentorship Program) was established in 1996 by Miriam Walsh, RN, a former nurse manager, who recognized the need for diversity among nursing colleagues at BWH to meet the needs of an increasingly diverse patient population.
Walsh provided the commencement address at the event, and several students gave speeches highlighting their experiences and recognizing the mentors and nurse managers.
“The program has given us a chance to develop skills and new confidence, as well as enhance our knowledge base,” said student Linda Nwosu. “Our mentors have reinforced our commitment to becoming professional nurses.”
The students were also addressed by executives from nursing administration who welcomed and encouraged the need for diversity among the professional nursing staff.
The Diversity Mentorship Program, established for junior and senior nursing students of diverse cultural backgrounds, is offered each summer. During the internship nursing students are paired with experienced registered nurses who promote and support them in an effort to meet the cultural and diversity initiatives of the department.
This year’s 13 students—the largest group since the program’s inception—were honored at the completion of the program for their commitment and dedication over the course of the internship.
Following completion of the program, the students are hired into the PCA Float Pool as per Diem employees, with the expectation that, upon graduation from nursing programs, they will join BWH.
Planning has already begun for the next Diversity Mentorship Program. Anyone interested in participating as a mentor or as a nursing student should contact Marsha L. Tahquechi, CNM, assistant nurse manager for Cultural Diversity, at Mtahquechi@partners.org.
Mentors from the Diversity Mentorship Program will be honored at the annual Miriam Walsh Diversity Mentor Award Ceremony and Luncheon on Nov. 20. Nominations must be received in writing no later than Oct.4, 2002. For more information, visit the Center for Nursing Excellence at www.partners.org. The diversity mentor award is given to a nurse who has participated in the Diversity Mentorship Program and exemplifies the concept of the mentor.