The cost of developing and implementing a basic 20-mentor program capable of supporting up to 60 mentees at any given time totals approximately $180,000 for an entire two-year project period. This is less than the cost needed to replace only three full-time nurses who leave their jobs due to a lack of adequate support. The program allows health care organizations to access and utilize a scientifically demonstrated, highly effective program for reducing nursing attrition, featuring a nationally recognized mentor training curriculum that gives health care organizations the greatest chance for success. The program cost includes all direct project costs incurred by the California Nurses Foundation, along with the cost of training manuals, instructor guides, access to Foundation staff, and ongoing access to CNF’s continually updated website. The cost does not include additional required in-kind contributions by sponsoring institutions, including the cost of nurse leader and nurse mentor stipends and on-site trainings.

Following the two-year period, the California Nurses Foundation will ensure that all agencies have the full capacity to operate and oversee the mentor program on an ongoing basis on their own. Over time, through reduced nursing attrition, the CNF mentor program has the capacity to save hospitals literally millions of dollars in staff replacement and retraining costs, while creating a more effective, satisfied, and safe nursing workforce.