The Northern Hospital ED Mentoring ProgramIntroduction for MenteesDr Louisa LeeJuly 2014

What is Mentoring?

• A mentoring relationship - two individuals of differing levels of experience and expertise are paired together for the purpose of growth, guidance, support and development.

What is a Mentor?

• Someone who takes a special interest in the professional development of a less experienced colleague

• A mentor acts as a:– Trusted and experienced advisor– Counsellor– Guide– Tutor– Coach – Role model

Why Have a Mentoring Program?

• Substantial evidence that a well designed mentoring program can improve workplace productivity

• Current poor retention rates– Effect on remaining junior doctors

• Suboptimal staff morale• Increasing workplace stress• High incidence of burnout• Accreditation requirement

Potential Benefits to Mentees• Personal development• Professional development

– Develop professional behaviour and identity– Gain better understanding of the ED– Career advice & networking opportunities

• Being able to work through issues in a non-threatening environment

• Having a role model• Assistance in goal setting and guidance achieving goals• Improve problem solving skills• Increase confidence and leadership skills• Skills upgrade & knowledge transfer

Mentoring is NOT…

• Clinical supervision– Although roles may overlap

• Discipline• Performance assessment• Performance management

Characteristics of Successful & Failed Mentoring Relationships

Successful • Trust

– confidentiality

• Caring• Mutual respect• Clear expectations• Personal connection• Shared values

Failed• Poor communication• Lack of commitment• Personality differences• Perceived/real competition• Conflicts of interest• Mentor’s lack of experience

Features of the Northern ED Mentoring Program

• Voluntary• Mentees choose their mentor• Mentor training• Mentoring Program Co-ordinator• No-fault opt out policy• Confidentiality protocol• Scheduled “First Meeting”– Mentoring Dinner – Tuesday, 2nd September, 2014

How to be a Good Mentee

• Be responsible for your own development– Schedule regular meetings– Identify goals, priorities and career interests

• Be respectful of meeting times• Communicate openly and honestly• Be open to feedback• Be an active listener

What now?

• Complete the pre-program survey• Complete the Mentee Application Form if

you want to participate• Return all paperwork to the Mentoring

Paperwork box on windowsill of the ED consultant workspace by Friday, 1st August

• Request the night of Tuesday, 2nd September off!

Any Questions?

Louisa.Lee@nh.org.au