BSACI Allergy Nursing Mentorship Program

Download a PDF application form.

Email [email protected] for any queries

BSACI Nurses Group is pleased to announce the launch of the nursing mentorship programme.
Please find an application form attached.
We are calling for Mentors, Mentees or both! The nurses group will then match up mentors and mentees early next year for 12months.
The deadline for applications this years programme is Friday 10th January 2025
Please forward to all nurses in your teams even those that are not members of the BSACI. Please note all mentors are required to be BSACI members.

Program Overview

The Allergy Nursing Mentorship Program is designed to enhance the professional development and clinical expertise of nurses specialising in and delivering allergy care. Senior nurses with extensive experience in the field will mentor junior nurses, providing guidance, support, and knowledge transfer to cultivate a skilled, supported and competent workforce in allergy nursing.
Many nurses in the field are working independently and don’t have support within the field in their own centres.
The initiative will promote the work of the BSACI and encourage new members.

Objectives

• Professional Growth: Facilitate the professional growth of nurses by leveraging the expertise of other nurses
• Skill Enhancement: Improve clinical skills and knowledge in allergy diagnosis, treatment, and management if required
• Confidence Building: Boost the confidence of nurses in their clinical practice
• Career Development: Assist nurses in setting and achieving career goals within the specialty of allergy nursing
• Knowledge Sharing: Promote a culture of continuous learning and knowledge sharing

Structure

Mentor-Mentee Pairing:

Following a call on behalf of the BSACI for Mentors / Mentees. We will ask for the form to be filled in and forwarded to [email protected]
Criteria: Pairing based on similar interests, adult/paediatric nurse, primary care/secondary care, career goals, and areas of expertise.
Introduction Meeting: Initial meeting and introduction via email to establish rapport, discuss goals, and set expectations.

Mentorship Phases:

• Orientation Phase: Introductions, resources, and initial goal setting
• Development Phase: Regular meetings to discuss progress, challenges, and learning opportunities
• Evaluation Phase: Periodic assessments to evaluate the effectiveness of the mentorship

Meeting Schedule:

• Frequency: Depending on the needs of the mentee and mentor availability
• Format: In-person, virtual meetings, or a combination of both

Potential Content and Activities:

This will be established on first meeting with mentor/mentee on how best the relationship may work and include some of the following:

• Clinical Training: Hands-on training/clinic visits, case studies, and shadowing opportunities
• Workshop Meetings: Discussions on specific topics like advanced diagnostic techniques, patient education, and allergy management protocols
• Resource Sharing: Access to latest research, articles, and best practice guidelines
• Feedback Sessions: Constructive feedback on clinical practice and professional development
• Career Development: Sharing of ideas

Roles and Responsibilities

Senior Nurses (Mentors):

• Provide guidance, support, and encouragement
• Share knowledge and expertise in allergy nursing
• Help set realistic and achievable goals
• Offer constructive feedback and performance evaluations
• Serve as a role model and advocate for the mentee
• Encourage the joining of BSACI and benefits of being part of the society
  

   

Junior Nurses (Mentees):

• Engage actively in the mentorship process
• Set personal and professional goals
• Seek feedback and be open to constructive criticism
• Apply learned skills and knowledge in clinical practice
• Take initiative in scheduling meetings and preparing for discussions

Evaluation and Feedback

Feedback Mechanism: Anonymous surveys for both mentors and mentees to provide feedback on the program’s effectiveness and suggestions for improvement.

Benefits

For Junior Nurses: Enhanced clinical skills, increased confidence, and professional growth.
For Senior Nurses: Personal satisfaction, development of leadership skills, and contribution to the nursing profession.

Conclusion

The Allergy Nursing Mentorship Program is a strategic initiative aimed at fostering a supportive and collaborative environment for professional development. By leveraging the expertise of senior nurses, the program aims to build a robust workforce of skilled allergy nurses capable of delivering high-quality patient care whilst promoting the work of the BSACI.