By Jen Howerton DNAP, CRNA, Member of the OSANA Professional Outreach and Engagement Committee 

After 15 years as a CRNA, I’ve realized that mentorship remains a cornerstone of clinical confidence and patient safety. While technical competence is essential, a mentor teaches the skills that keep you steady under pressure: critical thinking, team communication, and the ability to anticipate complications.

Mentorship is a reciprocal relationship. In mentoring students and new CRNAs, I continue to learn from their fresh perspectives and questions.

For Students: How to Find Your Mentor

Do not wait for mentorship to find you. Identify preceptors who teach with clarity and be proactive in your approach.  If you are a Registered Nurse interested in becoming or shadowing a CRNA, approach us in PACU/ICU and start a conversation. Consider asking:

"Can we talk through how you plan a case?"

"What are you watching for with your patients, depending on the type of surgery?"

"How do you approach safety during anesthesia?"

For CRNAs: How to Be a Great Mentor

Effective mentorship is about creating a supportive and challenging learning environment. For me, this involves explaining the "why" behind my actions, providing real-time feedback, and keeping patient safety at the center of every discussion.

The Impact on Patient Care

While patients may not see the mentorship process, they benefit from the results. It strengthens clinical judgment and reinforces a culture of safety, shaping more prepared and reflective clinicians.

How the Ohio State Association of Nurse Anesthetists Supports You

Our Ohio association is dedicated to connecting students and RNs with experienced CRNA mentors. Whether you are looking for guidance or even just to be a shadow for a day, this community is here to support your professional growth.

The Value of Mentorship on Healthcare and the CRNA Profession

Mentorship plays a critical role in shaping the future of healthcare by bridging the gap between education and real-world clinical practice. As the demands on healthcare providers continue to grow, the need for confident, well-prepared clinicians becomes even more essential. Through mentorship, experienced CRNAs pass down not only technical expertise but also professional judgment, ethical decision-making, and resilience, qualities that cannot be fully taught in a classroom. This transfer of knowledge ensures continuity in high standards of care across generations of providers.

Ultimately, mentorship is not just about individual growth; it’s about advancing the profession as a whole and safeguarding the quality and safety of patient care for years to come.