Best Practices in Research Mentoring

1. Best Practices in Research Mentoring Gail Powell-Cope, PhD, ARNP, FAAN VISN 8 Patient Safety Center of Inquiry Tampa VAMC Gail.powell-cope@va.gov February 14, 2008

2. Advisors people with career experience willing to share their knowledge Supporters emotional and moral encouragement Tutors specific and constructive feedback on performance Masters apprenticeship Sponsors sources of information about, and aid in, obtaining opportunities Models of identity Mentors are… Morris Zelditch Jr.

3. Role of Mentor • Listen and observe • Build a relationship • Never abuse authority • Nurture self-sufficiency • Establish “protected time” together • Provide introductions to develop network • Be constructive, not overbearing • Find mentors for yourself

4. Role of Mentee • Actively seek mentorship • Take active part in briefing sessions • Agree on objectives with mentor • Ask questions, seek advice • Adhere to negotiated schedule and confidentiality levels • Provide formal feedback • Keep a record of meetings with mentor

5. Postdoctoral Mentoring • Consider career pathways in earliest stage • Network throughout all stages • Learn to guide others (i.e., mentor more novice investigators, supervise technical staff, train students) • Work toward developing program of research • Move toward greater independence and complexity in research

6. Typical Postdoctoral Program Goals • Build on dissertation work • Continue to build knowledge and skills • Research methods (e.g. design, measurement, analysis) • Networking • Interdisciplinary collaboration • Leadership • Grants administration, budgeting, personnel • Research dissemination and translation

7. Typical Selection Criteria for Mentorship • Research interests • Experience • Ability to communicate • Relevance and importance of research • Program and staff support • Demonstrated performance