VICTORIA, Seychelles, A group of 19 nursing professionals received their certificates yesterday after successfully completing a two-week mentorship programme run from January 15 to 27. The ceremony was held at the Sheikh Khalifa Diagnostic Centre conference room at the Seychelles Hospital. Chief Nursing Officer Dr Gylian Mein, who led the programme, said the aim was to support newly graduated nurses entering the healthcare workforce and to address challenges faced by those re-entering the field after a period away.
Dr Mein explained that the training acknowledges hurdles such as lack of confidence and limited clinical experience, and aims to bridge those gaps. The programme is designed to enhance clinical skills, foster professional development, and support both mentors and mentees in delivering safe, high-quality patient care. Participants included newly qualified nurses and experienced colleagues returning to practice.
The Principal Nursing Officer for Hospital Care, Elsia Sinon, congratulated those who completed the programme and noted the value of mentorship in supporting new nurses as they navigate a demanding healthcare environment. Research shows that mentorship reduces turnover rates and improves job satisfaction, she told the gathering. Clinical mentoring is needed to support less experienced nurses and to facilitate their career development, she added, noting that the relationship often lasts for years and benefits both parties.
Minister for Health has taken a pioneering step in fostering professional growth and development, promoting their success and well-being in their careers. This supportive relationship provides tremendous growth opportunities and can be conducted formally or informally. The importance of mentoring in nursing includes the opportunity to challenge both the mentee and mentor to think differently while considering areas for professional improvement.
Another similar programme is scheduled for August this year for 15 nurses, aiming to accommodate 35 nurses per year, according to Dr Mein. The ministry expects that the second cohort will build on the lessons learned from the first group and that more experienced nurses will step forward to act as mentors. The initiative is part of a wider effort to strengthen the local nursing workforce and to improve the quality of care offered to patients across the country.
