Llewelyn “Lulu” Lagmay has been a nurse for 14 years, but she still remembers the mentor she had early in her career.
“I had a mentor who made a lasting impact on me — someone who gave generously of their time and guidance,” said Lagmay, BSN, RN, staff nurse in the Intensive Care Unit at Kaiser Permanente San Leandro. “Becoming a preceptor has been my way of paying that forward.”
Lagmay is among the more than 1,200 experienced registered nurses in Northern California who support new graduates and nurse fellows as mentors, or preceptors. They provide mentorship, knowledge, and support to new graduates and nurse fellows transitioning their practice as part of Kaiser Permanente’s nurse residency and fellowship programs. The mentors act as educators, role models, and a resource, fostering a supportive learning environment while ensuring patient safety.
“There’s something incredibly fulfilling about seeing them gain independence, step into their roles, and become strong, trusted team players,” said Lagmay. “Knowing I had a hand in that transformation is why I keep doing it.”
Benson Yeung, DNP, RN, Northern California director of practice excellence, calls nurse preceptors “the heart of our nurse training programs.” Yeung said it goes beyond training — the preceptor-resident relationship strengthens the nursing community and ultimately elevates patient care.
Nurse preceptors played a crucial role in earning the highly sought-after Practice Transition Accreditation Program accreditation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center for nurse residency and fellowship programs.
“They have created an environment where new nurses feel empowered, supported, and confident as they transition into their new role,” Yeung said.
Mutually beneficial relationship
Lagmay shares that her role isn’t just about teaching, but also an opportunity for her professional growth.
“Mentoring sharpens my practice and challenges me to reflect, adapt, and stay current,” she said. “Every new nurse brings a fresh perspective, and sometimes that opens my eyes to different ways of doing things. Their questions or observations can highlight opportunities in our systems and workflows that might otherwise go unnoticed.”
Josephine Igbineweka, RN, transitioned from a medical surgical unit to the San Leandro ICU as a nurse resident, where she worked with Lagmay and another preceptor. She credits them for easing her fears and boosting her confidence in her critical care practice.
“They have been incredibly supportive of my learning, invested in my success and growth, and generous in their leadership and mentorship,” said Igbineweka. “Their commitment to excellent care has inspired me to improve and be the best nurse I can be.”