Robin’s column this month referenced the important role coaching and mentoring played in her career and personal development. I was also fortunate to have many wonderful peer coaches during my nursing career and I am forever grateful for the relationships I was able to build and cultivate over that time.

I’ve been very blessed in my professional career due, in large part, to the mentors and coaches I’ve had along the way. During my initial training and then later as an academic colleague, faculty members Sandra Gottschalk, Beryl Dinges and Michele Unrein provided encouragement and guidance, accepting no less than the very best I could do.