RNI Mentors
The Rural Nurse Internship (RNI) seeks rural nurses with at least 2 years experience to share their expertise. The distance-based mentor program was designed to provide expertise in a confidential, safe environment. Too often what is said in confidence in a rural community reaches the ears of those least wanted in the conversation. This lack of confidentiality inhibits new employees from asking questions, sharing problems, and seeking help. Mentors from distant communities can listen carefully and share techniques that help nurses thrive in their rural communities. At the same time, mentors learn about how health care is delivered in different settings.
RNI mentors complete a training and pass a test for which they receive 3 free hours of continuing education credit. They need communicate at least once a month with interns about the role of rural nurse. After developing a relationship using the telephone, e-mail, or letters, the discussion centers on different topics like collaboration, and leadership.
Enrollment Application
Application (pdf)