Mentoring: A Guiding Light to Success
OCCTH 540 Seminar
Kyle Nanan
Karen Urbanovitch
Nella Mauro
Ashley Thomson
Michelle Smith
Meet Stefan...
What is a Mentor?
A mentor is a wise and trusted counsellor or teacher
It is someone whom you look up to and seek advice with
Mentors serve as good examples of your profession
Mentoring is a process whereby a more experienced person helps a less experienced person develop in some capacity
www.dictionary.com Toal-Sullivan, D. (2006). New Graduates’ Experiences of
Learning to Practise Occupational Therapy. British Journal of Occupational Therapy November, 69(11).
Why You Need a Mentor as a New Grad
The role of the mentor is vital to the success of healthcare programs and healthcare careers
Mentees who have participated in mentorship programmes, experience benefits such as: developing professionalism, instilling greater
professional expertise and commitment to one’s profession, contributing to greater job satisfaction, having a faster rate of promotion for mentees, and increasing the research productivity of junior faculty mentees
www.york.ac.uk/healthsciences/mentors Milner, T. & Bossers, A. (2004).Evaluation of the mentor–mentee relationship in an occupational therapy
mentorship programme. Occupational Therapy International, 11(2), 96-111.
Why You Need a Mentor as a New Grad
During a transitional period, the support of colleagues and peers is critical for learning and can ease adjustment from student to Occupational Therapist.
Toal-Sullivan, D. (2006). New Graduates’ Experiences of Learning to Practise Occupational Therapy. British Journal of Occupational Therapy November, 69(11).
Occupational Therapy Mentor
An OT mentor can facilitate professional and psychosocial development when transitioning from student to clinician, or between changes in Occupational Therapy roles through: sponsorship, counseling,
development of problem-solving skills, and a professional sense of self.
Milner, T. & Bossers, A. (2004).Evaluation of the mentor–mentee relationship in an occupational therapy mentorship programme. Occupational Therapy International, 11(2), 96-111.
What Does an Occupational Therapy Mentor Offer For Stefan?
Assistance with identification of professional environments
Counseling through difficult situationsAct as a source of informationProvision of career guidanceGive feedbackEducationConfidence building and source of encouragementCollaborationFoster professional growth and individuality
Milner, T. & Bossers, A. (2004).Evaluation of the mentor–mentee relationship in an occupational therapy mentorship programme. Occupational Therapy International, 11(2), 96-111.
How do you choose a Mentor?
Seek individuals who can provide you with honest guidance regarding your career development
Demonstrate the following:Mutual RespectConstructive and Timely Feedback Shared InterestsShared Projects http://www.mcw.edu/display/docid1558.htm
Finding His Mentor:
Where to Start?
Check current place of employmentFormal vs. Informal MentoringHow about asking a direct supervisor?
CAOT WebsiteBecome a member
What Does CAOT Offer?
OT NetworkerOT FinderCAOT ConferenceCAOT Practice Magazine OT NOW “Help with Practice Concerns”Practice ResourcesMENTOR GATEWAY
Its goal is to connect
mentors and mentees with
information and resources CAOT Website
about mentoring www.caot.ca
Provincial OT Associations British Columbia Society of Occupational Therapists Society of Alberta Occupational Therapists Saskatchewan Society of Occupational Therapists Manitoba Society of Occupational Therapists Ontario Society of Occupational Therapists L’Ordre des ergotherapeutes du Quebec New Brunswick Association of Occupational Therapists Nova Scotia Society of Occupational Therapists Prince Edward Island Occupational Therapy Society Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Occupational Therapists
Society of Alberta Occupational Therapists
Mentorship Program and Online ForumThe SAOT is pleased to offer its members
enhanced networking opportunitiesSAOT is interested in fostering mentoring
relationships with interested parties The SAOT maintains a list of SAOT-registered
Occupational Therapists interested in mentoring other member Occupational Therapists
www.saot.ca
Mentoring & Networking In The United States The American Association of
Occupational Therapists (AOTA)
Connects clinicians with new grads
Allows members to specialize their practice
Job postings for new grads and current clinicians
Emerging Leaders Development Committee
http://www.aota.org/ last accessed January 13th 2010 http://www.aota.org/Practitioners/Resources/New-
Practitioners.aspx last accessed January 13th 2010
Emerging Leaders Development Committee
Introduced in 2009 by the AOTA Created in response to student
demand for supports following graduation
If successful student is required to attend a two day seminar at the AOTA main office in Maryland
Followed by meeting your mentor and working with them for a year
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_7687/is_20091012/ai_n39363648/?tag=content;col1 Last accessed on January 13th 2010
United States Resources: Examples
Texas Occupational Therapy Association (TOTA)
Each state body works similarly to that of provincial associations in Canada
Geared towards employment for clinicians, prospective employers used as mentors
http://www.tota.org/careerCorner.html Last accessed on January 13th 2010
United States Resources: Examples
Florida Occupational Therapy Association (FOTA)
Offers more support and network opportunities from academic institutions
Close working relationships with Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University and Florida International University
http://www.flota.org/ Last accessed on January 13 th 2010
Academic Resources
Extensive supports offered from Occupational Therapy schools in Florida namely Florida A & M
Some other supportive institutions include Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI)
These institutions will work with them and their clinical fieldwork educator to explore mentoring options in their area
http://www.famu.edu/ Last accessed on January 13th 2010 http://www.iupui.edu/ Last accessed on January 13th 2010
What Do We Offer Our Mentors?
For the mentor, the relationship can produce feelings of gratification and stimulation
It is a great opportunity to allow them to grow professionally
Can assist them in their own careerAllows them to reflect upon their own practice
Milner, T. & Bossers, A. (2004).Evaluation of the mentor–mentee relationship in an occupational therapy mentorship programme. Occupational Therapy International, 11(2), 96-111.
http://ezinearticles.com/?Mentoring:-The-Benefits-of-Being-A-Mentor&id=109135
Questions???