How to find and approach a mentor for a career move

Before you start

• A specific career question or decision you want help thinking through.
• Respect for the other nurse's time, privacy and boundaries.

Step by step

1. 1

   Define the ask in one sentence

   Replace “Will you mentor me?” with a focused question such as choosing between two programs, understanding a specialty or planning a transition.

2. 2

   Look one to three steps ahead

   The most useful mentor is often someone who made the move recently enough to remember the details, not necessarily the most senior person available.

3. 3

   Request one short conversation

   Ask for 20 minutes, explain why you chose them and state that you are seeking perspective rather than a job referral.

4. 4

   Arrive with three questions

   Send your questions ahead, take notes and finish on time. Ask what action they would take first if they were in your position.

5. 5

   Follow through before asking again

   Send a concise thank-you, act on one recommendation and report back. Let a longer mentoring relationship emerge from useful exchanges.

Checklist

Mentor outreach message

Hi [name],

I am a [current role] considering [specific move]. Your experience with [specific reason] stood out to me.

Would you be open to a 20-minute conversation about:
1. what you would do first,
2. what you would avoid, and
3. what the role is really like?

I am looking for perspective, not a job referral, and I am happy to work around your schedule.

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