Cognitive apprenticeship: laying the groundwork for mentoring registered nurses in the intensive care unit.

Professional nursing practice within the intensive care unit (ICU) requires the registered nurse (RN) to demonstrate evidence of critical thought for the various treatments provided. A sound theoretical knowledge base, coupled with sensitivity to the socio-cultural influences within this often emotionally charged atmosphere is foundational to the provision of excellent patient care. Mentorship is one educational strategy that attempts to integrate skill development with the socialization of a novice ICU RN. However, vagueness surrounding what encompasses the mentor-mentee relationship may prevent employees from entering into these unions. In this article, I present an original mentorship model based on the concept of cognitive apprenticeship, as described by Collins, Brown, and Holum (1991). I identify the learning theories that inform this approach to professional development and conclude with select recommendations for implementation of a mentorship program within the ICU.