NAHAC Mentoring Program
Mentors

Mentor Benefits Include
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Experience and status as a leader in developing the Patient Advocacy Mentoring program
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Supporting colleagues in developing their skills as healthcare advocates
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Developing future health care advocate leaders
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Building connections with other health care professionals
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Gaining fresh ideas and viewpoints about the practice of healthcare advocacy
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Strengthening NAHAC’s Code of Ethics and Standards and Best Practices

Mentor Characteristics Include
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Currently active in the practice of advocacy
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Commitment to provide support and encouragement to the mentee
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Excellent listening skills
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In-depth knowledge in their field of expertise
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Demonstrated investment in their own professional development
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Ability to recognize limits of their own knowledge of advocacy, and openness to seek additional support from one’s own professional colleagues

Mentor Responsibilities Include
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Leading monthly meeting with their assigned mentee as follows an initial meeting for 45 minutes, then 30-minute sessions afterwards for an additional 3 months, or for a length of time agreed upon with mentee.
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Assisting with setting goals/expectations of the mentor-mentee relationship.
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Providing scheduled availability similar to professors’ office hours.
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Providing advanced notice of cancellation.
Mentees

Mentee Responsibilities
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Identification of learning goals, indicating their expectation of what success looks like, so that success can be measured.
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Openness and receptivity; skilled at receiving and giving feedback, and disciplined to follow up on assignments.
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Respect for their mentor’s time, and punctuality or cancellation for appointments if they cannot attend.
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Understand that the mentor will not always have all the answers but will collaborate with the mentee to achieve a reasonable result.
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Providing feedback and program evaluations.
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Willingness to give back and serve as a mentor in the future.

Why Would Someone Consider Working With a Mentor?
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To flatten learning curve.
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To seek and share best practices through collaboration, seeking advice, wisdom and expertise to help build confidence.
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To gain a broader perspective of the field.
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To identify opportunities to grow their business.

What Would One Expect to Receive From a Mentor?
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Constructive feedback.
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Guidance.
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Motivation and encouragement.
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Emotional support and role modeling.
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If identified as a need or interest, a mentor may help explore new areas of professional focus, set goals, develop contacts, and identify resources.
FAQs
Please email us at nahacmentoring@gmail.com if you have questions or want to discuss the program with us.