Panel Presenters: Ruth A. Holmes MS, BSN, VHA-CM Sharon Johnson MSN, RN Catherine M. Bailey, BSN, RN NOVA 36th Annual Meeting June 23, 2016

Learning Objectives: At the completion of this session, NOVA participants will be able to: Define Mentor Explain why VHA nurses need mentors Describe the characteristics of a good mentor Define how to become a VHA Certified Mentor Learn about the NOVA Mentoring Program and understand how to apply to become a NOVA mentor or mentee

What is a Mentor?

Mentors

Mentoring vs Coaching Mentoring is the process for a subject matter expert (Mentor) to share wisdom, developing a less experienced person. Coaching is working in the partnership (between mentor and mentee) to facilitate learning, improve performance, and create desired results.

Why Do We Need Mentors? NOVA Participants

Why Do We Need Mentors? Mentors: Aid in the development and growth of the workforce in the VA. Enhance your personal and professional growth Know that it takes to succeed Are a confidante to bounce off ideas Are a vent agent Can guide you through the right career paths

Mentoring Relationship

Characteristics of a Good Mentor Approachable and welcoming Shares information and experiences openly Good communication skills Trustworthy, reliable Provides accurate and appropriate feedback

Characteristics of a Good Mentor (cont’d) Technical Expertise Motivating, encouraging, positive and empowering Non-judgmental Allocates appropriate time to mentoring Sensitive to the needs of the mentee

VHA Mentor Certification Program A national certification program for VHA employees serving as mentors, coaches or preceptors. The VHA Mentor Certification Advisory Board (MCAB) serves to oversee and administer the program.

VHA Mentor Certification Program Purpose 1) Bring consistency, experience and uniformity to VHA mentor training 2) Enhance the quality of VHA mentors, coaches or preceptors 3) Recognize the contributions of VHA mentors, coaches and preceptors. 4) Create a VHA Learning Culture

VHA Mentor Certification Program. Apprentice level Training Resident Level Certification Fellow Level Certification

Apprentice Level Training A complete core mentoring course 8 hour classroom training with other trainees Role playing mentor vs mentee Learn GROW concept Training certificate

Resident Level Certification Core training + At least 25 hours practical experience* Self identify and log in hours Certificate

Fellow VHA Mentor Certification Complete core mentoring course At least 25 hours as Resident Mentor An additional 25 hours totaling 50 hours or more focused time mentoring others Certificate, recommend time off award VHA-CM

GROW Model

Skills and Abilities of Effective Mentors Willingness to provide guidance. Ability to invest time monthly for at least one year per mentee. Willingness to allow mentees to observe you conducting business Ability to share company goals and vision. Ability to make accurate observations about the mentee’s performance, attitude, career potential, etc.

Skills and Abilities (cont’d) Ability to use coaching skills. Ability to guide mentees on career development questions. Willingness to let actions speak louder than words Ability to model world class leadership. Ability to teach mentees how to navigate the political structures of the organization and open doors for them.

NOVA Mentoring Program New Mentorship Program (Empower) Helps you meet your professional goals Helps new NOVA members to connect with seasoned NOVA members to benefit from their expertise and experience

NOVA Mentoring Program (cont’d) Provides resources which can help meet requirements for advancement related to proficiency, education, evidence based practice and research, as well as professional development Provides mentoring regarding chapter development and other potential programs

NOVA Mentoring Program (cont’d) Would you like help navigating the sometimes confusing routes to promotion and career development in the VA? Do you ever have questions that you’d like to be able to talk over with somebody about how to approach a situation you’re encountering at work? Do you want to make a difference? Sign up to get a mentor!

NOVA Mentoring Program (cont’d) Have you worked in the VA for a while? Do you know things now that you’d wished somebody had told you when you first started in the VA? Do you like helping people? Do you want to enrich your time in the VA? Do you want to make a difference? Sign up to be a mentor!

Where can I find more information about the Mentorship Program? Log into the "members only" section of the NOVA website. If you don't have an account, as a member of NOVA, you may register one. After accessing the "members only" section of the website, click on "Forums" and select "Mentorship Program." A variety of Mentorship Program topics and forums are available to NOVA members.

NOVA’s Empower Mentoring Program NOVA’s Education Committee is responsible for the Empower Mentoring Program Nancy Claflin, Chair Members: Marsha Auguste, Cathleen Baudy, Rachel Crossley, Vilma Corpuz, Maria Dealino-Perez, Nancy Elliott, Ruth Holmes, Lucy Houghton, Shanina Knighton, Natalie Meyers, Sumnima Nepane, Jennifer Peppiatt, Connie Perry-Simon, Beverly Ross, Marilyn Simpson, Valerie Wright

What’s in it for me – the Mentor/Coach

What’s in it for me - the mentee?

VHA Mentor Certification Program Information VHA Mentor Certification website - v v config?resource=3230 (pdf of brochure Books 24/7 Coaching for Performance (Free) config?resource=3230 (pdf of brochure)

NOVA Mentoring Program Contact Information Sign into the “Members Only” section Phone: (202) Nurses Organization of Veterans Affairs, 7595 Watkins Island Square, Sterling, VA 20165

Panel Discussion and Questions