Program requirements

Who is eligible to become a Mentor?

• Highly experienced RNs:  RNs with more than 15 years of nursing experience, working in various positions, including staff nurses, APRNs, Executives/Managers or Professors.  These highly experienced RNs are dedicated to advancing the nursing profession, highly interested in mentoring future nursing generations and committed to leaving a positive legacy. Highly experienced RNs will be matched with either an Early Career or an Up & Comer RN.
• Up & Comer RNs:  RNs with between 5 and 14 years of nursing experience who are highly passionate about their nursing careers and are expecting to become leaders in the profession.  These RNs are navigating the path of career transitions into education, advanced practice and management positions, as well as pursuing (or planning to pursue) an advanced degree.  Up & Comer RNs will be matched with an Early Career RN.

Your Mentee may have career goals and interests that are very different from your professional experience. That's OK! Your Mentee will still benefit from the relationship. The knowledge, insight, and wisdom that you have gained in your career can apply across the full spectrum of nursing specialties and career paths.

What am I expected to do? Mentors are expected to provide their mentee with at least one hour of support and interaction per month. Since this is a virtual mentoring program, this interaction will take place via email, phone, video calls, or text. Mentors should work with their mentee to determine what kind of support will be most useful—specific feedback related to finding jobs, general career advice, information on higher studies, technical information, personal encouragement, and so on.

How long will the commitment be? The program will last eight months, beginning in late September and ending in May. 

Can I have more than one mentee through this program? Yes, mentors may have up to two mentees, depending on the number of mentees who enroll.  Please note your preference for one or two mentees during your mentor enrollment.

PROGRAM SUPPORT

ANA supports successful mentoring relationships in several ways:

• Mentor Forum:  All mentors will be enrolled in this online discussion group. Denise Robertson, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, CNL, the ANA Mentor Advisor, will be posting tips and suggestions for mentors in this community, as well as facilitating discussions so mentors can advise and support each other. 
• Guided Connection Plans:  Mentors and mentees will receive instructions and reminders for setting goals, scheduling meetings, etc throughout the six months....all with the goal of developing and sustaining a productive mentoring relationship. 

Mentor DO's

1. Commit at least one interaction/hour of support per month.
2. Set aside time for the mentoring process and honor all appointments.
3. Invite the mentee to meetings or activities, as appropriate. Schedule meetings with planned topics.
4. Be flexible on meeting times and places.
5. Arrange frequent contacts virtually through telephone, email, etc., as appropriate.
6. Respond to emails from your mentee within two days of receipt.
7. Keep information that your mentee has shared with you confidential. If something concerning the mentee needs to be discussed with others, it should first be discussed within the mentoring relationship.
8. Establish open and honest communication and a forum for idea exchange.
9. Foster creativity and independence. Help build self-confidence and offer encouragement.
10. Provide honest and timely feedback to your mentee.
11. Provide opportunities for the mentee to talk about concerns and ask questions.
12. Above all, LISTEN.

Mentor DON'Ts

1. Try to give advice on everything.
2. Encourage mentee to be totally dependent upon you.
3. Provide your personal history, problems, animosities, successes, failures, etc., unless they are constructive contributions.
4. Be too busy when the mentee needs your friendship or your support. If you do not have time, give the mentee a heads up, so that they know when they can reach you.
5. Criticize.