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Mentoring Program
PURPOSE OF THE PROGRAM:
The goal of the APCR Mentoring Program is to provide networking opportunities and promote career development. The mentor will share experience and advice on such topics as recruitment techniques, credentialing, getting ready for an RRC site visit, orientation planning, data base insight, resident guidelines and procedures, coordinator/program director roles, professional development, time management and stress management.
A firm commitment and willingness to invest time and energy are the most important components for a successful mentoring partnership.
Program coordination is a very difficult and challenging job. The APCR has created the mentoring program for new program coordinators. At APCR registration, new members will get the option to be assigned a mentor if they so choose (a coordinator from a program of similar size and type of practice). The mentor's responsibility would be that of consultant, someone the new coordinator could turn to for advice. Interaction can take place by e-mail, phone, text or virtual meeting platforms such as Zoom, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, etc.
Following are some guidelines for the mentee to consider in order to help foster an effective relationship
ANNUAL MEETING:
Attending the APCR Annual Meetings provides an ideal time and place for you to interact with the mentor you have been assigned. You may decide to have breakfast, lunch, coffee or dinner together, as well as attend sessions together. Other ways for you to interact with your mentor after the meeting is via by e-mail, phone, text or virtual meeting platforms such as Zoom, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, etc. Current APCR members are encouraged to volunteer to be a mentor or if they would like a mentor, to reach out to the mentorship chair to be paired up with a mentor.
CONTACT:
The mentor will be encouraged to make initial contact, however it is also appropriate for you to introduce yourself to your mentor. You might suggest potential topics you would like to discuss. Based on how things go, subsequent interactions may take place in the future after the meeting, however note that there is not an obligation from the mentor to do this.
HOW TO INTERACT WITH YOUR MENTOR:
- Ask for advice and welcome constructive criticism; do not assume that advice will be offered if it is not solicited. Be as specific as possible when asking for advice. A good mentor will offer both criticism and suggestions for your work, so be open to both.
- Listen attentively to what your mentor has to say. Although sometimes advice may seem irrelevant to you, often the information will become useful at some future date.
- Seriously consider the advice given to you by your mentor, even if your immediate reaction is not positive. Beginning a response to advice or criticism with the words, "Yes, but…" is often a bad way to start.
- Show appreciation for the time and assistance given to you by your mentor. Mentors need encouragement also, and constructive feedback will help your mentor guide you in the most effective way.
- Keep the lines of communication open with your mentor. You never know when you may need his or her advice or assistance at some point in the future.
- It is okay to give suggestions. Your mentor may not have mentioned something you know about or does not know about it. Remember, "two heads are better than one."
EXPECTATIONS:
A successful mentorship is a two way street. Mentors and the coordinators that they mentor should reach out to each other a couple times of year even just to say hi.
For more information regarding the mentorship committee or to be paired with a mentor, please contact:
Melissa Laity
Chair, Mentoring Program Committee
[email protected]
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