Career Advice | Nursing Mentorships
Making an investment in your professional success
How can you give your career a jumpstart? Find a mentor. It's one of the best
ways for young professionals to learn about the ins and outs of an industry or
company. Many organizations sponsor an official mentorship program. If your
employer does not, be sure to go out on your own and find willing professionals
who can teach you the ropes, as well as inspire you to achieve success within
the company. When deciding on a mentor - or mentors - it's important to follow a
few simple guidelines to get the best results out of your arrangement.
Value strength in numbers
There is no rule saying you can only have one mentor. In fact, many of the
most successful professionals have developed mentor-like relationships with a
number of different leaders. You may admire one supervisor for her public
speaking skills, and another for his ability to balance work and life. Have both
of them as mentors and you'll get the best of both worlds. Every quality mentor
you establish is another opportunity to learn a skill or gain a new perspective.
This also usually means you will require less time from any one person. But
don't go overboard--too many mentors mean less quality in a relationship. Keep
your list diverse and smart - choosing the professionals you think you can learn
the most from in different areas.
Get out there on every level
Mentoring programs usually suggest a coworker who is at least two levels
above you on the corporate network, or with five to ten years more experience
than you. But it can be very helpful to seek out mentors on more than one level,
who can give you different perspectives within the organization. It also helps
to branch out to other sources for your mentors. Try members of local health
care associations and your medical school professors instead of limiting
yourself to employees within your own company. These other mentors are more
likely to provide guidance and help throughout your entire career, no matter
where you are working.
Know what to expect from a mentor
A mentor can only do so much for you. Most are willing to teach, coach and
inspire. But it is not a mentor's job to help you get a promotion or get you out
of trouble if you violate company policy. Never take advantage of your
relationship with a superior. Value their trust and ethics and don't put them in
an uncomfortable position - you may lose a mentor in the process.
Keep an open mind
While you can't expect too much from a mentor, it is important not to expect
too little. You may have developed a mentorship to learn more about a specific
profession, but you may discover your mentor has a lot to teach you in terms of
organization history or handling stress. Be open to new ideas your mentor may
have, or other topics they think will be helpful for you in your career. A
mentor will have a significant amount of experience, and will be happy to pass
along everything he or she can to someone who is willing to learn.
Be willing to return the favor
Some day you could be in a position to mentor someone else. Keep in mind what
your mentorship has done for you and how you can help others in a new
profession. If your employer does not have an official mentor program, maybe you
could organize one. A good mentor is an invaluable part of a great career, and
being a mentor completes the circle of a truly successful
career.
