Mentorship Program for Local Health Department Lead Nurse Administrators
If you’re a new Lead Nurse Administrator (LNA) at a local health department, the Meaningful Mentorship program is here to help you grow in your role and feel supported.
This program gives nurse leaders the chance to learn from experienced mentors, build confidence and connect with others in public health.
Why mentorship?
Mentorship helps new nurse leaders feel empowered and supported. It can lead to greater job satisfaction, stronger skills and even better career opportunities.
By supporting our incoming nurse leaders in their new roles, we aim to uplift our public health nursing workforce and reduce turnover and attrition.
A strong and well-trained workforce is vital to local health departments’ success in ensuring their communities’ health. Public health is facing a critical challenge recruiting and retaining new professionals (PDF). Mentorship is a promising strategy (PDF) to approach this challenge!
Frequently Asked Questions
Meaningful Mentorship is a structured mentoring program. MM pairs experienced LNAs with less experienced or novice LNAs. This mentor/mentee relationship provides support, coaching and connection opportunities.
Once paired, the mentors and mentees attend orientation to get basic guidelines. This structured program requires a commitment of at least one hour per month for six months.
The mentor/mentee pair will work toward:
- Agreed-upon goals
- Professional growth
- Connection to resources
You are eligible to become a mentor if you have:
- At least one year of experience as a local health department LNA and/or have completed the Meaningful Mentorship program.
- An interest in fostering professional growth, coaching and supporting a less experienced LNA in their role.
You are eligible to become a mentee if you:
- Are a less experienced LNA.
- Want to learn, grow and become more confident in your role.
All shared information is kept confidential.
Potential mentors and mentees will be from LHDs across the state. The advisory committee pairs based on needs and strengths as shared on applications, as well as availability.
Mentors and mentees must attend an orientation session before beginning the program. This session will share:
- Guidelines for establishing goals and boundaries for the mentor/mentee relationship.
- Suggestions for learning activities.
About the program
Meaningful Mentorship is a partnership between the Office of the Chief Public Health Nurse and the North Carolina Association of Public Health Nurse Administrators (NCAPHNA).
Since the program began in 2023, feedback has been very positive. Many who’ve joined say it helped them better understand their jobs, feel more prepared and build strong professional relationships. Many past mentees have come back as mentors to help others, creating a strong network of support.
This is more than just training — it’s a chance to grow, connect and make a difference in public health nursing.
Questions?
We're here to help. Contact Maria Turnley at Maria.turnley@dhhs.nc.gov
Maria Turnley, BSN, RN, NCCPHN
Regional Nurse Consultant, Office of Chief Public Health Nurse