© 2024. Houston Methodist, Houston, TX. All rights reserved.
fb_share.svgtw_share.svgin_share.svg
Professional Development
Empowering Clinical Excellence: The Impact of Peer Mentorship in Clinical Inquiry Projects

By Lacey Allemand, MSN, MBA, RN, CPAN, HACP

Mentorship.jpg
Within the dynamic environment of Houston Methodist (HM) hospitals, bedside nurses, as astute observers, play a pivotal role in identifying practice gaps and envisioning avenues for improvement. At first, the clinical inquiry process can seem overwhelming. This is where the wisdom of a peer mentor provides comfort. Mentorship can provide solutions by breaking down tasks into manageable steps and empowering project leads to navigate the process confidently.
As an RN IV working in the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) at Houston Methodist The Woodlands (HMTW) hospital, I have completed and disseminated multiple process improvement (PI)/evidence-based practice (EBP) projects and mentored ten nurses. Through my experiences, I've learned that successful clinical inquiry mentors possess expertise in the following areas:
  • HM clinical inquiry project approval process
  • Framework for PI/QI and EBP
  • Building Research and Advancing Innovative Networks (BRAIN) database
  • Outcome measuring/monitoring
  • Library tools and resources
  • Literature appraisal tips and strategies
  • Dissemination
  • Sustaining change
Imagine a scenario where a bedside nurse, brimming with an idea to enhance practice, seeks assistance from a trusted peer mentor. This interaction sparks innovation as both parties delve into the broader implications. A collaborative partnership unfolds where mentor and mentee navigate nursing clinical inquiry together. This collaborative synergy sparks a dynamic exchange of ideas, fueling innovation and transformative change. The mutual understanding conveyed by “Me too!” serves as a reassurance, highlighting that obstacles can be overcome together. Mentors play a pivotal role in guiding project leads through the complexities of stakeholder engagement, fostering a supportive network and ensuring vital buy-in for sustainable change. Mentors bridge the gap between theory and practice, ensuring that innovations translate seamlessly into tangible improvements in the delivery of patient care. This collaborative mentorship drives individual project success and cultivates a culture of innovation and continuous improvement across the healthcare spectrum. Through the guiding light of mentorship, bedside nurses and clinical inquiry mentors forge a path toward unparalleled excellence in patient care.