Check out the timestamps below to help you navigate through the many topics we discussed.
On This Episode:
As CRNAs look for ways to attract and retain good people, mentorship programs might be the key to growing the profession. Together with co-host Tracy Castleman, DNP, CRNA, APN-A, FAANA, Abby Bisch, DNP, CRNA and Elvira Sayfutdinova, MSN, CRNA join the show to share what they’ve learned about building a successful mentorship program in St. Louis. With personal anecdotes and wisdom, they’ll provide a clear picture of their initiative's success, from easing new hires into a high-pressure setting to fostering enduring professional relationships.
Listen in as we discuss the vital components of crafting a mentorship program that truly supports the professional development of CRNAs. Our conversation explores how clear goals, voluntary participation, and a structured six-month timeline can foster relationships that go beyond the program's duration. We shed light on the pairing process, using detailed bios and feedback surveys, and celebrate the achievement of matching 19 mentor-mentee pairs. The feedback loop between mentors and mentees doesn't just affirm the program's success but also paves the way for continuous improvement and higher retention rates.
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
- How Abby and Elvira got into the profession and became involved in mentorship.
- Formal CRNA mentorship programs are underutilized and should be adopted by more anesthesia departments.
- The many benefits of a formal CRNA mentorship program and how it improves our profession.
- The goal of the program is to ensure newly-hired CRNAs have all the tools & guidance they need to succeed.
- The crucial elements you need to include to employ a successful CRNA mentorship program.
Learn more about their mentorship program: https://anesthesiology.wustl.edu/patient-care/crna/crna-mentorship-program/
Donate to Our Heart Your Hands here: https://www.ourheartsyourhands.org/donate
Not only does mentorship benefit the mentee, obviously you have faster training, you have better support, you increase motivation for these mentees, but also for the mentors as well. You see increased coaching and leadership skills. It's just pretty infinite the benefits that we've seen, even from starting our mentorship program: increased career advancement opportunities, clinical skills, personal roles, professional development. The list just goes on. So lots of benefits.
