Mentoring: A key element in succession planning.

An essential component of succession planning is mentoring for faculty (full- and part-time) and the nurse administrator. Effective mentoring programs contribute to the continuity of nursing programs and positive outcomes for nursing programs. The literature is replete with research that identifies benefits of mentoring programs for faculty and nurse administrators. Acknowledging the impact mentoring programs for nurse administrators and faculty have on positive program outcomes, this article explores the benefits of mentoring, stages of mentoring, and characteristics of successful mentoring programs. Unlike other articles related to mentoring programs for faculty and nurse administrators, this article correlates mentoring with selected Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing Criteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]