Mentorship is often confused with coaching. While they both support professional development, the outcomes are different. This presentation will focus on the value of mentorship in enriching the professional growth of the forensic nurse. The session will also explore how the Academy of Forensic Nursing can assist mentors and mentees in providing a more meaningful mentorship process. The presenters will share their personal experience with a mentor/mentee relationship.

This session is intended for forensic nurses who are seeking to enrich their professional forensic nursing experience or lead others in their professional journey. Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of the positive power of mentorship in supporting forensic nursing growth and how to begin and sustain the process of mentorship.

OBJECTIVES

• Define mentoring in nursing.
• Identify two benefits to becoming a mentor.
• Identify two benefits to having a mentor.

PRESENTERS 

Dr. Andrea Sebastian earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree from the University of Kentucky in 2014 with a focus on primary care pediatrics. She began her career on the child abuse team at Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital in Memphis, where she conducted medical evaluations for children with suspected physical abuse, sexual abuse, and neglect. In 2017, Sebastian joined the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC) College of Nursing as an Assistant Professor and was promoted to Associate Professor in 2025. To further her clinical expertise, she completed a Post-Master’s Certificate in Acute Care Pediatrics at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, in 2022.  She is a certified Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) for pediatric patients, a board-certified Advanced Forensic Nurse (AFN-C), and a Distinguished Fellow in the Academy of Forensic Nursing. Outside of work, Sebastian enjoys traveling with her husband and two daughters.

Dr. Theresa Fay-Hillier (TFH) is an Associate Clinical Professor, Emeritus at Drexel University. She earned her Doctorate in Public Health from Drexel, her Master's Degree in Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing from the University of Pennsylvania and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Holy Family University. TFH is a Clinical Nurse Specialist in Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing by the American Nurses Credentialing Center and is also certified in completing Danger Assessments with victims of intimate partner violence (IPV). TFH has an interest in working with the chronically mentally ill as well as people who are victims of abuse. She has presented at conferences both nationally and internationally on issues related to IPV, harm-reduction strategies in addressing individuals addicted to opioids, and implementation of collaborate simulation experiences into nursing programs. On a lighter note, TFH enjoys spending time with her grandchildren whenever she can.

Enduring Modules - This module originated on 2/11/2026 and will remain available for CE credit through 03/30/2028

Criteria for Successful Completion:

Live attendees must join the zoom link via the LMS site, be logged in for a minimum of 90% of the session, and successfully complete the attestation and evaluation. Upon completion, a CE certificate for 1.25 contact hours will be awarded. 

Recordings of the live session will be made available within one week of the live date. 

Asynchronous attendees must utilize the LMS to obtain resource information (if available), view 100% of recording(s), complete all modules, and successfully complete the attestation and evaluation. Upon completion, a CE certificate for 1.25 contact hours will be awarded.

No relevant financial relationships exist for any individuals in a position to control content of this educational activity.

NOTE:

The Academy of Forensic Nursing is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.