Poster Presentation
Halls C & D (Indiana Convention Center)
Tuesday, November 15, 2005
8:30 AM - 9:15 AM
Halls C & D (Indiana Convention Center)
Tuesday, November 15, 2005
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
This presentation is part of : Chiron Mentoring Program Poster Presentations
The Chiron Program: A Mentorship Experience with a Focus on Professional and Personal Growth
Cindy Smith Greenberg, DNSc, RN, CPNP, Department of Nursing, California State University, Fullerton, Fullerton, CA, USA and Virginia Maikler, PhD, RN, Women's and Children's Health Nursing, RETIRED from Rush University College of Nursing, Chicago, IL, USA.
Learning Objective #1: Discuss the variety of mentoring opportunities available through the STTI Chiron mentoring program.
Learning Objective #2: Identify one mentoring activity that resulted in positive outcomes for leadership, curriculum or personal growth.

The nursing shortage, and the shortage of excellent faculty in particular, is a major issue facing the nursing profession. The Chiron program is an excellent method to support and mentor novice practitioners, those desiring to hone their skills, or those experiencing a mid-career shift of focus. The purpose of this presentation is to illustrate the valuable experience of one Chiron mentor/mentee pair and the benefits of this mentorship.

This relationship concentrated on refining the skills of a mid-career educator to achieve professional and personal growth in educator role development, educational leadership and career balance. Four specific goals for the mentee were identified. They were to: improve teaching skills and develop a stronger presentation style; increase knowledge of curriculum development; improve leadership and communication skills; and demonstrate ability to balance multiple demands without feeling so pressured. Mentee activities to achieve these included attendance at pertinent educational events, reading relevant literature, activities (e.g. development of plan for curriculum review at place of employment), and feedback on performance from mentor, supervisor and peers. Opportunities for mentor-mentee contact were addressed by the initial mentoring and leadership development institute, monthly contact via phone and email, and two in person meetings.

This relationship was a positive experience for both mentee and mentor. The mentee gained knowledge and skills as a result of the activities undertaken and the insight and guidance provided by the mentor. The mentor, near the conclusion of an exemplary career, had the opportunity to continue the legacy of excellent mentoring received from her mentors which assisted her in achieving career fulfillment, so important in retaining and nurturing quality nurses.