Mentoring

The MICRA mentoring program aims to become an extension of the NCRA mentoring program limited to the State of Michigan.

Mentoring is defined as a professional relationship in which an experienced CTR (Mentor) assists a less-experienced CTR or Student (Mentee) in developing specific skills that will enhance the less-experienced person’s professional and personal growth in the field of cancer registry.

A mentor is someone who has gained wisdom and knowledge from their experiences in the field of cancer registry, who can offer insight, guidance, and inspiration to another person. It is not the job of the mentor to evaluate, conduct performance reviews or provide input about salary increases or promotions to the mentee.

A good mentor is flexible in their approach and advice, is responsive to questions and comfortable sharing their personal experiences with the mentee. They are willing to engage in discussions and encourage their mentee to ask questions and learn. Good mentors will remember what is was like when they were starting out in the field and understand that the mentee may not understand the internal workings of a registry. They will inspire without being directive or imposing personal opinions.

MICRA mentor qualifications:

• A MICRA member who has held the CTR credential for a minimum of two years and have officially registered with the MICRA mentoring program.
• Commit to helping their assigned mentee to achieve their professional goals in the field of cancer registry.

MICRA mentor responsibilities:

• Mentors are required to be open and honest in their communication with the mentee.
• Must commit to a minimum of two hours per month working with their mentee. This can be accomplished via email, phone, and/or in person.
• Mentors are required to respond within 24 hours after communication by their mentee.
• Mentors will create, with the mentee, an outline of the plan of action, goals and timeline for completion. (i.e. successful achievement of the CTR credential, or other established goal.)
• The mentor is required to maintain a Mentor Activity Log which is required to be turned in at the end of the mentoring relationship.
• The mentor is required to consult with the MICRA Board should she/he experience problems with the mentoring relationship.

Benefits of becoming a MICRA mentor:

• Mentors have the ability to make a difference in their profession,
• Mentors groom new and future CTR’s who may become employees
• Mentoring can enhance a resume and provide professional development
• Mentoring provides a great opportunity for personal growth
• Often times the mentor learns as much from the experience as the mentee
• Earn NCRA CE credits
• It’s FREE!!

A mentee is a less-experienced colleague or student who wishes to connect with a mentor for the purpose, of gaining knowledge and guidance in order to practice and apply what is learned during the mentoring process.

MICRA mentee responsibilities:

• Mentees must be willing to engage in discussions with their mentor and ask pertinent questions to the field of cancer registry.
• Mentees are required to be open and honest in their communication with the mentors.
• Must commit to a minimum of two hours per month working with their mentor. This can be accomplished via email, phone, and/or in person.
• Mentees are required to respond within 24 hours after communication by their mentor.
• Mentees will collaborate with their mentor and come to an agreement on expectations and schedules.
• The mentee is required to consult with the MICRA Board should she/he experience problems with the mentoring relationship.

Mentoring Agreement:

The mentor and mentee with discuss the specifics of their relationship, including but not limited to the length of the agreement, method of communication and goals of the partnership. All aspects of the agreement will be documented in the Mentoring Agreement.

The mentoring relationship can be terminated at any time for any reason and should be stipulated to that fact in the Mentoring Agreement.   The parties shall notify the MICRA board and submit the completed Mentoring Agreement upon dissolution of the mentoring partnership. 

Becoming a MICRA Mentor and Mentee:

• Complete and submit the appropriate application to the MICRA Board

Mentors and Mentees will be paired according to the information submitted on the application form. The MICRA Board will then contact the selected Mentor, passing along the Mentees information so they may make contact with their mentee and begin the mentoring relationship.