Public safety has many positions, titles and ranks — perhaps one of the most prestigious is being a mentor. Being a mentor is rarely mentioned or acknowledged. It doesn’t come with a dramatic pay increase, new schedule or less work — likely is the exact opposite. But, if you are lucky enough to get the opportunity to set the tone for a future clinician, take it.
| MORE: How to implement a successful EMS mentorship program
I embrace the gift of mentoring and precepting, encouraging educating, humble, confident, but not arrogant clinicians to serve the public.
“You set the tone, Carter,” is a frequently quoted line from NBC’s hit medical drama, “ER,” when Dr. Mark Greene, played by Anthony Edwards, passes leadership and the responsibility for the emergency room’s atmosphere and ethos to Dr. John Carter, played by Noah Wyle.
In the show’s pilot, Dr. David Morgenstern, played by William H. Macy, said similar words to Greene, establishing a tradition of mentors passing the torch to their successors as they leave their positions.
This line holds true in EMS culture, echoing the significance of creating responsible and confident, yet humble clinicians to continue the lifesaving work we do.
4 key components for a successful mentorship
Mentor and mentee relationships should have 4 key components:
- Connection: Pair mentors and mentees based on shared interests, goals and professional backgrounds. This intelligent pairing ensures that foundational relationships are built from the outset, prompting a more engaging and collaborative experience. Connection builds the foundation of trust and psychological safety. Building that relationship can be difficult at times and is the responsibility of both the mentor and mentee. You both must feel each other out to see strengths and weakness.
- Clarity: Set clear milestones and track progress with goal-setting features. By defining objectives and regularly reviewing them, both mentors and mentees can maintain a clear vision of their journey, leading to a more focused and purposeful interaction. Clarity aligns both parties on expectations and goals.
- Compassion: Take advantage of a mentor training modules that concentrate on developing empathy and active listening skills. By equipping mentors with these critical skills, they can provide more meaningful support and understanding, enhancing the emotional connection between mentors and mentees. Compassion brings empathy and understanding to the relationship.
- Commitment: Both the mentor and mentee need to remain engaged and accountable throughout the mentorship relationship, ultimately reinforcing their commitment. Commitment ensures long-term engagement and progress.
Mentoring tips
Strong mentors must understand and evolve with their mentees. Some days are going to be better than others, through heavy call loads and higher acuity calls. A mentor must be able to manage this variability, the scene and their mentee’s emotions and struggles along the way.
Be available for your mentee. The question might not come while on shift, but when it does come, take a minute to respond.
The famous “ER” line is used one last time, as Carter exits County General Hospital’s emergency department, walking into an empty ambulance bay, where Dr. Archie Morries, played by Scott Grimes, is struggling to make it as a physician. Carter utters, “you set the tone.”
A mentor sets the tone for the next generation of EMS clinicians.
