Mentor

PURPOSE

In order to meet the needs of families who are newly diagnosed with bleeding disorders or iron overload, we have initiated a Mentoring Program.  People who have learned to live and cope well with each disorder have agreed to be mentors and help others with similar diagnoses.  

The patient-mentor relationship is participant-directed, with the caveat that the mentor does not give medical advice and is not vested by the Center or by any other authority as a medical expert.

RATIONALE

People with chronic conditions, especially newly diagnosed people, can benefit from interacting with others ?in the same boat?

HOW THE PROGRAM WORKS

Patients of the Center may be identified and trained to act as ?mentors? to others with a similar disorder.There is no formal application process but rather judgements made by the Center about whether an individual would be appropriate in the ?mentor? role.Factors to consider include communication skills, sensitivity, maturity, level of knowledge about the disorder, coping skills and life experience.Patients may volunteer to become mentors or they may be asked by Center staff to become a mentor.

TRAINING

Mentors will meet with Center staff (including at least one registered nurse and our Social Worker) for ?mentor training? at least once.Staff will make the determination about whether an individual is ?prepared? to act as a mentor, and will recommend an individual to a mentor role to the Center?s Medical Director.The Medical Director may use any input or resources at his disposal to support or deny an individual?s involvement as a mentor.

PATIENT-MENTOR CONTACT

Initial contact is voluntary by the patient. The Center may supply patients with information about the mentor program and a name or names of individual mentors and contact telephone numbers and/or e-mail addresses. Patients may or may not contact mentors at their discretion.Subsequent contacts/relationship is at the discretion of the patient and mentor.Mentor information may be given to existing patients by Center staff or may be provided in a ?new patient packet? typically provided to newly diagnosed individuals.

FOR QUESTIONS OR INFORMATION

Please email tricia.oppelt@rochestergeneral.org or call her at (585) 922-5700.