How to Make the Most of Your Mentor

Being a mentor can certainly be a challenge. However, many people don’t realize that being a mentee isn’t always easy either. There are several reasons why mentees struggle. Below are some common obstacles along with some suggestions on how to overcome them.

You’re having trouble finding someone. Just finding a mentoring relationship in the first place is often a challenge. If you’re looking for a mentor, don’t blindly approach someone and say, “Will you be my mentor?” As this style can instill fear in the person you’re asking. Instead, ask people you would like to be your mentors if they have time to offer their opinions on some of your ideas. If they have the time and are willing to do this, you’ll discover that this will most likely blossom into a mentoring relationship.

Your personalities clash. You have a mentor, but the person’s style does not mesh with yours. If this is the case, stick with it for a little while and see what happens. Almost everyone has something valuable to teach. But in the end, if it’s just not work­ing out, end the mentoring relationship on positive ground.

You have differing point of views about the relationship. In cases like this, you and your mentor may have different approaches to the relationship. For example, you may possibly want to give a lot of input, but your mentor expects you to quietly soak it all in. Just remember that all mentors have a unique style and it’s probably to your advantage to let them do things their way in the beginning.

Your mentor intimidates you. A lot of mentees look at their mentors with a sense of awe. But if you are truly afraid of or intimidated by your mentor you may have a problem with authority figures. This will be a good opportunity for you to summon your courage. Be respectful, but go ahead and put your ideas out there.

Your mentor only gives you positive feedback. If this is happening, you are probably missing out on some helpful constructive criticism. Your mentor may not be comfortable in relaying constructive criticism, and may view it as hurtful. You may need to ask lots of questions to get the feedback that you can truly benefit from.

Bottom line: The mentoring relationship requires a lot of time and energy from both parties. You’re definitely going to run into a few hurdles, but if you stick with it and devote the amount of time and energy necessary, you’ll end up reaping multiple rewards.  

 

“The wisest mind has something yet to learn.”

—George Santayana

Tips for Working Safely

Healthcare professionals face a complex and potentially dangerous working environment that includes (but of course, is not limited to) contagious illnesses, angry patients, and potent chemicals. With such potential hazards, safety should remain a prime concern at all times; as the minute you or your colleagues let your guard down, a serious accident or injury could occur. Take note of the following tips to ensure a safe and healthy work environment.

Go powder-free. Latex gloves are an absolute necessity in healthcare, as they help prevent the spread of illness and disease. However, the powder that manufacturers put on latex gloves can cause allergic reactions and rashes, and in severe cases, it can send some people into anaphylactic shock. Moreover, even if you don't develop an allergy when you first start using them, you could develop them later. Powder-free gloves are an excellent alternative—so if your organization doesn’t offer them, request that they supply them.  

You can never be too safe with needles. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires gloves, gowns, masks, eye protection, and now needles to conform to the requirements of the “Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act.” Since 2001, this federal law has required hospitals and healthcare centers to use safe needles; that is needles with safety caps and other devices that prevent puncture wounds. If your organization doesn't use safe needles, you may want to discuss it with the person responsible for workplace safety issues.

Lift with caution. Many healthcare professionals report head, neck, or back injuries related to lifting patients. Although federal guidelines suggest workers do not lift anything above 50 pounds, most patients weigh much more than that. Whenever you can, push instead of pull. This puts less stress on your back and you have twice as much power. Stay close to the bed or machine you are using and avoid reaching. When you lift from floor level, lift from a squat with your back straight, bend your knees, and let your legs do the lifting. If you have to lift from waist level, try to get help from another nurse or aide on the floor. Also make sure you put the bed rails or wheelchair arms down.

Be ready and aware of violence. Workplace violence can occur at any time, but healthcare professionals are particularly vulnerable to violent attacks when staffing is low and at times of high activity, such as visiting hours and meals. Familiarize yourself with your patients, especially those with a history of violent behavior, dementia, or drug or alcohol intoxication. You can also make sure you always have an escort or another worker around when you feel you're in an unsafe situation. Make sure you have a system that protects confidentiality but alerts your co-workers if you know there's a patient who may become aggressive.

Discarding safety precautions not only affects your ability to properly perform your job, but it can also negatively affect your health and well-being. Bottom line: take safety seriously.

 

“Laughing at our mistakes can lengthen our own life. Laughing at someone else's can shorten it.”

—Cullen Hightower

Traits of a True Leader

Leadership definitely differs from management and supervision, although some people and organizations use the terms interchangeably. To clarify, supervision entails providing direction and oversight for other employees. Managers provide direction and guidance, but also organize work processes and systems and handle problems. Leadership, on the other hand, includes the above items, but also involves inspiring employees to reach great heights of performance and success.

Many people aspire to be leaders; however it seems as if true leaders are hard to come by (especially in the workplace).  This may be because being a leader is not always easy, and requires a genuine desire to help people and the organization reach their goals. Indeed, employees can spot a fake or “wannabe” leader in no time.

Whether leaders are born or made, they display distinct characteristics. If you wish to be a leader, take note of these common leadership traits.

True leaders:

Share the vision and mission. Sharing the company’s vision and mission is critical, as it helps others to realize that their work has purpose and meaning beyond the tasks they perform each day. Leaders feel passionately about the vision and mission of the organization, and thus share that passion in a way that enables others to also feel passionate.

Are inclusive. When people feel included and connected to the company’s mission, they will work hard to achieve that mission and vision. Leaders understand this and go out of their way to make sure everyone feels included and is assimilated into the company. 

Show integrity. Employees look up to a person who tells the truth and always tries to do the right things. Leaders will tell employees what’s going on at the company, even when it’s not good news. It’s a tough thing to do, but it earns peoples’ attention and respect.

Are generous. Inspirational leaders do their best to give people what they want. Leaders understand that money is a motivator, and do their best to ensure employees are fairly compensated. Leaders also realize the power of praise and give recognition when it’s deserved.

Leaders ultimately have the ability to communicate passion, purpose and meaning to others, which can help the healthcare organization in numerous ways. If you choose to become a leader, whether in your workplace or community, the discussion of the above characteristics will help you formulate the right approach to leadership.

“Personality can open doors, but only character can keep them open.”

—Elmer G. Letterman

 

A Cure for a Tough Cough

Outside a doctor's office, a patient was clutching onto a pole for dear life, not breathing, not moving, not twitching a muscle, just standing there, frozen.

One doctor, seeing this strange sight in front of his office, goes up to his partner and asks, "What's the matter with that patient? Wasn't he in here earlier?"

The other doctor replies, "Yes he was. He had the most terrible cough and none of my prescriptions seemed to help."

The first doctor commented, "He seems to be fine now." The other doctor replies, "Sure, he does. I gave him a box of the strongest laxatives on the market. Now he won't dare cough!"