Mentoring managers.

The realities of the nursing shortage, high patient acuity, and high patient-nurse ratios present challenges for today's health care environment. The need for excellent nurse managers cannot be understated if patient care units are to function smoothly. Yet new nurse managers often do not receive the support they need to succeed. A mentor relationship offers them a nurturing and protective environment where they are supported as they encounter management challenges and can flourish as managers who make significant contributions to patient care.