FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS FOR POTENTIAL MENTEES Q. "How long does the mentorship program last?"
A. The program is structured to last for two years however mentorship relationships may last as long as necessary to meet the needs of the individual mentee. Some relationships will last years, others a lifetime!
Q. "What about the paperwork you talked about?
A. At the beginning of the program, you will complete some confidential survey forms which are used to track data for our study. Also, you will complete a goal and contract worksheet with your mentor which will be used to track your progress through the program. The actual paperwork is not very time intensive and is fairly easy to complete. Our goal is to build relationships, not burden your workload with more paperwork!
Q. "What if I do not get along with my mentor once the program starts?"
A. Every effort is made to induce matches with are compatible, but if a mentee or mentor report a relationship is not working, the mentee may request a change.
Q. "I heard this program is mainly for new nurses, nurses from other countries, or nurses who are having trouble doing their jobs. Is this a program for problem nurses?
A. Absolutely not! Although many nurses in the program are new graduates, any nurse who would like this opportunity is encouraged to apply. All Nurses Deserve Mentors!
Q. "If I am having problems and talk to my mentor about them, won't this eventually get by to my supervisor?"
A. No. The mentee-mentor relationship is meant to be an honest, open relationship which normally occurs outside of the workplace environment. Mentors are not encouraged to discuss issues regarding their mentees to anyone, including manager, without mentee's knowledge. If an issue is revealed which the mentor feels needs to be discussed with a manager, then the mentor may encourage a meeting and may even act as an advocate for the mentee.
Q. "Is there a requirement for how many hours I spend with my mentor? Can we meet at work during work hours?"
A. There is no formal amount of time which needs to be spent with your mentor. Most mentees and mentors work out a schedule of meeting either just before or immediately following work hours, or meet as often as needed for a short time on days off. Many also arrange communication via telephone and/or email, which is perfectly acceptable. Although some meetings may happen during the work day, such as during lunch or while on break, mentors and mentees are encouraged to complete program activities outside of regular working hours just like any other non-work related activity.
Q. "I am a Filipino nurse and would prefer a mentor who is also Filipino. Do you have Filipino nurses who can be my mentor?"
A. Absolutely! One goal of the mentorship program is to address gender and ethnic differences and whenever possible match mentees with nurse mentors who understand the cultural differences and challenges they may be facing.
Q. What are the differences between a Preceptor and a Mentor?
Preceptor | Mentor |
Functional support | Personal support |
Clinical socialization | Career/professional socialization |
Structured learning | Learning based on mutual goal-setting |
Short duration | Long duration |
Common roles with emphasis on role modeling and skill rehearsal | Multi-faceted assisting roles |
Evaluation related to employment status | Assessment related to progress made on Mentee & Mentor goals |
