1. Empowering the New Chapter Board Member: The Benefits and Responsibilities Eugenia (Gena) Welch, BSN, RN, CCRN Clinical Educator Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas Dallas, Texas Damon Cottrell, MS, RN, CCNS, CCRN, APRN-BC, CEN Clinical Nurse Specialist Providence St. Vincent Medical Center Portland, Oregon 

2. Class Code 216, Page 353 Objectives –Describe the characteristics of a successful mentoring relationship and the subsequent responsibilities as it relates to the chapter board –Describe the characteristics of a mentoring relationship and the importance of a mentor –Explore the real life example of a mentor and the mentee 

3. A wise man learns from the experiences of others. An ordinary man learns by his own experience. A fool learns by nobody’s experience. Unknown 

4. A lot of people have gone further than they thought they could because someone else thought they could. Unknown 

5. Why Mentoring? Mentoring relationships play a major role in the succession of leadership in a profession –A Dallas County Chapter legacy –Meets chapter needs by instilling new people, ideas and leadership 

6. Why Mentoring? An effective teaching method for the adult learner –Focus on activities of the chapter Educational events/seminars Budget Membership Communication –Implementation of creative roles Vision Partner –Facilitation of current roles President-Elect and President relationship 

7. Why Mentoring? Often builds long-lasting relationships of two-way learning –Provides ongoing consultation, even after the mentee has achieved a leadership role –Shares ideas between both parties –Often branches into other aspects of mentoring outside chapter activities, even outside AACN activities 

8. Mentoring Defined An individual with experience and position who provides information, advice and emotional support to another –Focus/Goal dependent upon mentor/mentee agreement –This relationship lasts for an extended period of time with an emotional commitment by both parties

9. Mentoring Defined Mentoring transcends teaching, knowledge or skills Mentoring is multifaceted, and encompasses the development and nurturing of an individual in order to promote professional growth

10. There's a difference between interest and commitment. When you're interested in doing something, you do it only when it's convenient. When you're committed to something, you accept no excuses; only results. Kenneth Blanchard

11. Choosing a Mentor A mentor is a professional others want to emulate –May be chosen for a particular goal or overall need –More often than not, mentors are selected by the mentee

12. Choosing a Mentee A mentee is one of great potential When approached –Questions to ask yourself: Do I have enough time to be fully committed to a mentor/mentee relationship? Do I have the qualities/skills needed to fully support/teach this potential mentee? 

13. Choosing a Mentee When seeking a mentee –Questions to ask yourself: Does this person appear to have the motivation, time and potential? Do my skills/qualities match with current or upcoming chapter needs? 

14. Accept me as I am, so I may learn what I may become. Unknown 

15. Mentor Characteristics Patience Enthusiasm Knowledge Sense of humor Respect Advocate 

16. Mentor Characteristics Willing to share work/chapter experiences Meet regularly with mentee Guides mentee, does not control Active listening Honest, direct and timely feedback Empowers mentee to advance their professional development Committed to the relationship 

17. In everyone’s life, at some time, our inner fire goes out and is then burst into flame by an encounter with another human being. We should all be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit. Albert Schweitzer

18. Mentee Characteristics Takes responsibility for his/her development Arranges meetings and sets agendas Has a personal goal Requests honest feedback Open minded Committed to the relationship

19. Problems in Mentoring Relationships Problems with criticism, even if “constructive” Problems with advice Problems with rescuing 

20. Be like a postage stamp. Stick to something until you get there. Josh Billings 

21. Problems in Mentoring Relationships Commitment Serious differences of opinion Clearly opposite ideas Impact of fundamentally different interpersonal styles 

22. Integrity Honest communication Admit mistakes Humanity Humility

23. Mentor Responsibilities Relationship – Trust Information – Advice Facilitation – Alternatives 

24. Mentor Responsibilities Confrontative – Challenge Mentor Model – Motivation Vision – Initiative 

25. If you treat a person as she appears to be, you make her worse than she is. But, if you treat a person as if she already were what she potentially could be, you make her what she should be. Goethe 

26. Mentee Responsibilities Communicating expectations, needs and feelings Developing a trust relationship and share concerns Negotiating activities to obtain goals

27. Mentee Responsibilities Embracing learning and exploration with enthusiasm Be willing to accept “constructive criticism” and provide feedback Trying to implement mentor suggestions Courage

28. Mentor Tips for Success Know that effective mentoring requires commitment, time and skill Think about what you have to offer Make yourself accessible to the mentee Be sensitive to mentee needs Be a role model, the primary objective is to assist in achieving excellence 

29. Great people talk about ideas; average people talk about things; small people talk about other people. L. A. Burns 

30. Mentee Strategies for Success Tell your mentor how he/she can be of most help to you Work hard at being a good mentee, and a good new board member Follow through on decisions and commitments Keep appointments that are agreed upon Communicate with your mentor before a concern becomes a problem

31. Ending the Mentoring Relationship? Does it have to end? When the mentee has reached the mentor- related goals Often becomes less structured and as needed –Long-distance mentoring

32. Take time to think, it is the source of power; take time to play, it is the source of perpetual youth; take time to laugh, it is the music of the soul; take time to love and be loved… it is the greatest privilege of life. Unknown 