DNP Role Development for Doctoral Advanced Nursing Practice, Second Edition

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376 ■ III: ROLE FUNCTIONS OF DOCTORAL ADVANCED NURSING PRACTICE


workplaces with varying levels of confidence and experience, consequently produc-
ing great variability in what they will need to achieve success (Gagliardi, Webster,
Perrier, Bell, & Straus, 2014, p. 124). As such, mentees must consciously reflect on
what competencies, skills, and experiences will benefit them in real- time and in
the future. Insight by the mentee will be increased during mentoring interactions
since emphasis is on stimulating the mentee to act with thoughtful deliberation,
in conjunction with having a shared vision with the mentor. Therefore, the men-
tee is motivated in a deliberate and strategic way to create a sense of purpose and
nourish those shared higher goals. This unique relationship between mentee and
mentor has the propensity to cultivate each mentee’s capacity to succeed in their
role as a DNP.
More nuanced forms of mentorship have been discussed in the literature. Thomas-
MacLean, Hamoline, Quinlan, Ramsden and Kuzmicz (2010) identified differences
between traditional mentoring and transformational mentoring. Traditional mentor-
ship is seen as a continuation of earlier accounts of mentorship. This would translate
into DNP mentors being “older, wiser, and senior” to the younger mentee that he or she
would groom. Thus, there would be a hierarchical process that could value the wise sen-
ior above the inexperienced junior. In contrast, transformational mentoring is “a rela-
tionship between equals in which one or more of those involved is enabled to increase
awareness, identify alternatives and initiate action, and develop themselves (Thomas-
MacLean et al., 2010, p. e265).” As such, DNPs in a mentor– mentee relationship would
share knowledge and expertise about their profession as well as mutually hone skills
of mentorship to further human capacity for inner growth and development (Thomas-
MacLean et al., 2010). DNPs will likely develop mentoring relationships characterizing
both of these conceptualizations— traditional and transformational. In considering the
aforementioned insights on mentorship, this eloquent quote embodies the essence of
what should be desired:


The greatest good you can do for another is not just to share your riches but
to reveal to him his own. (Benjamin Disraeli, 1804– 1881, British prime minis-
ter [Ray, 2012, p. 69])
Mentorship for DNPs would benefit from deliberate decision- making processes.
Forward planning by the mentee and mentor through designing appropriate interven-
tions and guidance can optimize the DNPs’ progression and increase their competency
in the desired areas. Seeking mentorship from visionary leaders is important for DNPs
as their role in promoting health and health- service delivery in the 21st century is not
a replica of preparation of advanced nursing practice of the past. Mentorship is also
important to help enhance consciousness about cultural diversity and promote the use
of individual qualities including a personal power to solve the current- day challenges
in the health care environment. DNPs will be working with interdisciplinary health
care providers; therefore, they must develop and implement skills that also support
strategy development to effectively address organizational issues. Taken together,
building the capacity for DNPs to have a profound and positive impact on leadership
and national health care policy initiatives as well as primary care services delivery is
paramount and mentorship is a central ingredient in achieving these outcomes.
Even more, mentorship must be valued and supported by entities that come
in contact with DNPs— for example, universities, hospital systems, professional
organizations, and other health- related bodies. This investment starts with each
organization; however, the culture of mentorship must permeate our greater health
culture. Incentives, resources, and educational programs are all essential for the
development and sustainability of nurturing a culture of mentorship. What has

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