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HB 1352

Providing mentors to novice nurses in the beginning educator support team program.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Adam Bernbaum and 2 co-sponsors

HB 1352 creates a mentorship program pairing experienced nurses with novice nurses to improve retention and competency during early career stages in Washington healthcare settings.

First reading, referred to Education.
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Bill Summary · HB 1352

Legislative bill overview

HB 1352 establishes a Beginning Educator Support Team (BEST) program that pairs novice nurses with experienced mentor nurses during their early career stages. The bill creates a structured mentorship framework to support new nurses as they transition from education to clinical practice in Washington state.

Why is this important

Novice nurses face high burnout and turnover rates during their first years, which strains healthcare systems and increases costs. Quality mentorship during this critical period has been shown to improve retention, patient safety outcomes, and clinical competency development. This program addresses a documented workforce stability challenge in nursing while potentially reducing the burden on healthcare facilities recruiting and training new staff.

Potential points of contention

  • Funding mechanism: The bill's fiscal impact is unclear—whether mentorship costs fall on healthcare employers, the state, or educational institutions, and whether there are adequate appropriations
  • Mentor compensation and workload: How experienced nurses are compensated for mentoring duties and whether this adds to their clinical workload without corresponding relief or pay adjustments
  • Program scope and participation: Whether the program is mandatory or voluntary for healthcare facilities, and which settings (hospitals, clinics, long-term care) would be covered or excluded

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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