Mentoring Program Guide A program of the Alumni Association Office of Advancement Dean s Suite 10 South 2000 East Salt Lake City, UT 84112-5880 (801) 581-5109 http://nursing.utah.edu
Table of Contents Message from Dean Morton... 3 Message from Alumni Board of Directors... 4 Purpose of the Mentoring Program... 5 Requirements to Participate... 5 Commitment... 6 Timeline... 6 Role of Mentor... 7 Role of Mentee... 8 Areas of Specialty... 8 Match... 9 Mentoring Tools and Tips... 9 Networking Opportunities... 11 Evaluation... 12 FAQs... 13 Additional Mentoring Resources... 13 Next Steps... 14 Successful Mentoring Relationships... 15 2
Message from Dean Morton It is my pleasure to welcome you to the College of Nursing s Mentoring Program. Having been both a mentee and mentor, I ve learned first-hand that a mentoring program provides the necessary assistance for lifelong success through ongoing professional and personal support. During my nearly 40-year career in nursing, mentoring was key to helping me find opportunities to grow as a professional so that I could make optimal contribution to nursing and healthcare. For example, it was a mentor who helped guide me into nursing education and educational administration. I also learned the meaning of mentoring when my mentor helped me have the courage and knowledge to publish my first textbook on health assessment. However, I have truly learned the most in my role as a mentor to students, especially from those I taught in their graduate program in critical care nursing. It is from them I learned the passion of caring for patients and families, the willingness to take risks with ideas and to challenge the status quo, and the ability to endure during difficult times. These experiences, among others, have defined mentoring for me. Mentoring has proven to be a successful way of facilitating the professional growth and development of recently-graduated nurses. It is our hope that through our Mentoring Program we can not only facilitate your professional growth while transitioning into a new role, but we can continue to be an asset to you throughout your entire career. The Alumni Board of Directors has made a significant investment of time developing a formal mentoring program and my desire is for you to take full advantage of this opportunity. I look forward to your involvement in the mentoring program and your input on how we can make mentoring a flourishing experience for you. Best wishes for your academic success. Sincerely, Patricia G. Morton, PhD, RN, ACNP-BC, FAAN Dean and Professor Louis H. Peery Presidential Endowed Chair Robert Wood Johnson Executive Nurse Fellow 3
Message from the Alumni Board of Directors Some of the most valuable relationships in a nurse s professional career are those built between a mentor and mentee. If you are a graduate from the University Of Utah College of Nursing or another nursing school, you never truly stop learning or valuing the essence of what nurses bring to their community, patients and families. The University of Utah College of Nursing Alumni Association invites you to take part in social, educational and networking opportunities planned for our Mentors and Mentees. These activities promote the mission of the Alumni Association to keep University of Utah alumnae connected, dedicated and supportive of the College of Nursing and each other. The Alumni Association is grateful for your interest in our Mentorship program and for your willingness to either serve as a Mentor or grow professionally as a Mentee. Sincerely, Alumni Board of Directors University of Utah College of Nursing
Purpose of Mentoring Program The College of Nursing Mentoring Program, coordinated by the Alumni Association Board of Directors, is designed to provide support to current nursing students, recent graduates, and alumni who are seeking to enhance career knowledge and expand professional networks. The program provides opportunities to receive advice and guidance as a means to explore and design a career path. Mentees gain an expanded outlook on career perspectives, advice on setting career goals, an enhanced professional network as well as role modeling for professional success. In addition, the board of directors hosts several networking events throughout the year offering an opportunity to meet and connect with other nursing professionals. Mentors benefit from expanding their own professional networks, sharing their expertise, establishing meaningful relationships, and contributing to the success of the next generation of nursing professionals. Requirements to Participate Mentor: - Three or more years of experience in the profession - Active nursing license in good standing - Provide copy of current résumé or CV (although you do not need to currently be employed) - Demonstrated professionalism and commitment Mentee (student or alum): - Genuine desire to proactively participate in the program and take initiative for career enhancement - Must be an alum or current nursing student of the University of Utah College of Nursing 4
Commitment How much time do you need to commit? That s really up to the mentor and mentee. A beneficial mentoring relationship is based on the needs and availability of the mentor and mentee. The alumni board of directors will support the mentoring relationship through various events but ongoing conversations and interactions will be at the discretion of the participants. Mentor Commitment: - Eight month commitment - To set goals and provide follow-up with mentee related to career objectives - Attend at least one networking event - Attend at least one sit down, face-to-face visit Mentee Commitment: - Engage in a professional relationship - Establish initial contact with mentor - Communicate career and professional goals with mentor - To set goals with mentor - Attend at least one alumni board function - Consider being a mentor in the future Timeline The Mentoring Program generally runs from September to May each year. The establishment of an ongoing relationship is at the discretion of the participants. There are no set meetings or time commitments other than attending the networking socials at the College of Nursing. Please see the chart on the following page for additional information. 5 6
Activity Enrollment Match Mentoring Activities Fall Networking Event Spring Networking Event Timeline Ongoing, although the program generally runs September to May By August or at the discretion of the Alumni Board of Directors At the discretion of the partnership: emails, work place visits, events, face-to-face visits, lectures, etc. September or October February or March For ongoing activities visit nursing.utah.edu/alumni/mentoring. Role of Mentor The mentor is a seasoned professional who has advanced jobrelated experience, excellent communication skills, and a desire to serve as a role model for nursing students and alumni. Mentors will develop meaningful relationships with the mentee, will help develop appropriate goals and objectives, and schedule follow-up sessions to track goal progress. Mentors may offer to help the mentee to establish relationship networks to advance learning and resource contacts for problem solving work issues. This could involve inviting mentee to the mentor s workplace to meet other colleagues or to accompanying the mentor to a networking opportunity such as Honors for Nursing or the Distinguished Alumni Award program. Additional responsibilities might include recommending seminars, professional organizations meetings, articles, publications, and books to the mentee to learn new techniques based on the goals.
Role of Mentee Mentees will gain the most out of their mentoring relationship if they are willing to take the initiative for their own development and to make the most of available opportunities. Areas of Specialty / Interest When participants sign up, they will be asked to select from the following areas of expertise. Program participants will be matched (as much as possible) with their shared areas of specialty or interest. Emergency Services / Critical Care Med-Surg / Oncology / BMT / HEM Education Management / Leadership Continuum of Care / Home Care / Community / Public Health / Care Management Outpatient / Ambulatory Services Surgical Services Peds / Women s Health / Newborn Gerontology / Rehab / Long Term Care Advanced Practice Behavioral Health Quality Improvement Evidence-Based Practice Strategies Research Other 7
Match After a networking event or at the discretion of the Alumni Board of Directors, the mentoring partnership will be established by the Office of Advancement and both participants will be notified by email of their mentoring partnership and the expectations. Note: If an initial mentoring relationship proves to not be beneficial for each participant a mentor or mentee may request a new match. Suggested Mentoring Tools and Tips Below are several suggestions for providing for a successful mentoring experience. Establish Relationships of Trust - Discuss passions in life and work areas of interest - Encourage mentee to identify personal strengths, interests and values - Ask mentor or mentee about leadership abilities and experiences - Describe strongest skills and abilities - Ask why mentor or mentee pursued nursing 8
Explore Careers - Introduce mentee to mentor s colleagues - Discuss career interests - Arrange visits to a mentor s place of employment - Provide mentee with information about professional associations and societies Career Preparation - Hold a mock interview and provide feedback - Share information about a current issue in the specialty - Review and offer advice and/or criticism of mentee s résumé and cover letter Career Readiness - Introduce mentee to colleagues - Attend professional association meetings together - Discuss transition into workforce and offer advice - Provide help on where to look for jobs - Suggest articles, websites and resources Workplace Discovery - Discuss how to deal with personal and professional challenges - Participate in volunteer service opportunities, alumni activities, and student events and programs - Review how workplace embraces and fosters diversity - Provide guidance on how to seek leadership opportunities and how to advance professionally 9
Networking Opportunities The College of Nursing Alumni Board of Directors hosts several alumni gatherings and networking events throughout the year and program participants are encouraged to use these opportunities to connect with one another, to learn more about the profession, and to network with other nursing colleagues. Event: Date: Time: Location: Event: Date: Time: Location: Event: Date: Time: Location: Mentors are also encouraged to invite mentees to programs and events at their organization or within their area of specialty. For ongoing events, programs, and activities at the College of Nursing please visit nursing.utah.edu/alumni. 10
Evaluation The desired outcomes for the mentoring program include: - Establishment of a successful mentor and mentee relationship - Creation of valuable mentoring experiences - Appropriate advice and strategies for success - Rewarding and supportive professional networks - Increased awareness by mentee of career objectives, interests, challenges, and goals. At the end of the program, mentors and mentees will be asked to provide feedback and to evaluate their experience in the program based on the areas listed above. Participants will be sent a short survey to assess their involvement, satisfaction, and suggestions for improving the program. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) How much time will this require? That is up to the mentor and mentee. Participants should discuss this at the beginning of the relationship. 11
When, where, and how often will I meet with my partner? Again, that is up to the mentor and mentee. In person, phone call, email, Skype/FaceTime, and other event gatherings are encouraged. How long does the program last? The participants are asked to commit to eight months, September through May. Where can I find more information on the program? Visit http://nursing.utah.edu/alumni/mentoring for more information and ongoing updates. Additional Mentoring Resources Many Merits of Nursing, Nursing Today www.americannursetoday.com/the-many-merits-of-mentoring-2/ How to Maximize Your Experience with Your Nurse Mentors and Preceptors http://www.nursetogether.com/how-to-maximize-your-experience-with-your-n Seasoned Nurses Help Mentor New Nurses, Promote Growth for Industry https://www.discovernursing.com/nursing-notes/2013-may-seasoned-nurseshelp-mentor-new-nurses-promote-growth-industry#.vgpe5ttf9ki Are Seasoned Nurses Doing Their Best in Mentoring New Ones? http://www.nursetogether.com/mentoring-are-seasoned-nurses-doing-their-b 12
Next Steps The Mentoring Program is driven by the mentee. Once a match has been established, the mentee/student will reach out and make an introduction, establish a first meeting, and will generally set agendas for meetings and conversations. Fill in your mentor or mentee s information below for quick reference. Name of Mentor / Mentee Specialty Primary Email Phone Employer Preferred method for communicating? Other unique or interesting information about your mentor/mentee? 13
What Makes For a Successful Mentoring Relationship? Successful mentoring relationships must be built on trust, openness to self-disclosure, and willingness and skill in giving and receiving feedback. Through a common vision and purpose, they blend together their qualities and create a synergistic relationship. - The mentor must believe that the mentee will be successful - The mentee must bring enthusiasm and a desire to learn - Both mentors and mentees must offer constructive feedback and assure that common needs and goals are being met We wish you a successful mentoring experience! Mentoring Program University of Utah College of Nursing Alumni Association Board of Directors Mentoring Program Website http://nursing.utah.edu/alumni/mentoring Email alumni@nurs.utah.edu Phone (801) 581-8919 or (801) 581-5109 Annette Poulson Cumming Building 10 South 2000 East, 4 th Floor, Dean s Suite Salt Lake City, UT 84112-5880 15 14