Leadership | 09.22.20
The Value of Mentorship: A Look at the NAMSS Mentorship Program
by Chris Hinton, CPCS, CPMSM
The NAMSS Mentorship Program, a members-only benefit established by the Membership Committee in 2019, is an online mentoring matching program that connects you with meaningful professional relationships across the MSP community. The mentoring program is designed for all MSPs. Whether you’re studying for the CPCS or CPMSM exam, mastering a new skill, or growing your career, the NAMSS Mentorship Program helps you find that professional success.
Chris Hinton, CPCS, CPMSM, NAMSS Secretary-Treasurer, became involved with the program to foster MSPs’ success in their careers. Here, she shares what mentorship means to her, the best advice she’s received and given, and why it is necessary for MSPs to get involved with mentorship. Read on to learn more about this special opportunity.
NAMSS: Share some background on the NAMSS Mentorship Program. How did you get involved?
Chris Hinton, CPCS, CPMSM (CH): As we all know, MSPs are natural mentors. We have a long-established relationship of assisting one another with questions and situations that arise. We believe that we should not reinvent the wheel, but instead share best practices with one another in order to make workloads easier.
With the new mentorship program, there are resources for both the mentor and mentee that assist with documentation, setting up meetings, communication, tips for success, and training videos on how to be a good mentor. The list of assistance goes on, and I invite you to check out the resources on the NAMSS website.
I became involved as a mentor in an attempt to share forward the mentoring I received throughout the years in order to become a successful MSP.
NAMSS: What does mentorship mean to you?
CH: I want to see every MSP be successful in their career. Speaking from experience, I can state that I would never have succeeded without the support of other MSPs. I vividly remember attending my first NAMSS education course, Credentialing 101. Carol Cairns was the instructor, and after the first day I spoke with her and informed her I was concerned about the role I had taken on as a medical staff coordinator. She encouraged me and told me that I needed to acquaint myself with NAMSS members and reach out to them when I had a question. Such words of wisdom!
Throughout my career, I have communicated with other MSPs and positively faced obstacles due to their knowledge and expertise when they have shared their on-the-job challenges. Without them, it would have been a hard road to travel. Sometimes, it’s not the knowledge you need from them, it is the encouragement and sharing of similar scenarios that gets you to move forward to the next opportunity.
NAMSS: Did you have a mentor when you started your MSP career? How did your mentor help you find success?
CH: I had numerous mentors along the way. I made it a point to meet new MSPs at conference, during education events, and while I served NAMSS. Some mentors have become dear friends and others unknowingly shared wisdom with me during class question-and-answer periods at events. Additionally, I have never been too shy to take a business card, document on the back of the card their area of expertise, and call or email them when I had a question.
NAMSS: You’ve been mentoring MSPs during the pandemic. Tell us about that experience.
CH: I have not experienced any issues relevant to the pandemic and assisting with their career, but I have had the opportunity to encourage and speak in a positive manner about the future. This is not going to last forever, and we as MSPs continue to prevail through changes and challenges. The great thing about the NAMSS Mentorship Program is that it’s all online! So even though we’ve missed out on being together this year, the Mentorship Program has helped people connect virtually.
NAMSS: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received from a mentor, shared with a mentee, or both?
CH: The best advice I have received from a mentor and have shared with others is to believe in yourself and don’t be afraid to ask a question. There are no “wrong” questions, and without addressing your current struggle we can’t move forward.
NAMSS: What would you tell a NAMSS member who is interested in getting involved with the NAMSS Mentorship Program, either as a mentor or mentee?
CH: Jump in and become a mentor or a mentee. We have so very much to share, and sometimes a different perspective can make all the difference. For the prospective mentor, whether you have an hour a month or many hours per month to share, just give what you can. For the prospective mentee, if you have one issues to address or many issues to address, just ask.
We all have something to share. Even in the mentor role, you learn something new from the mentee. I have learned so very much from the individuals who I have had the privilege to mentor.
Are you interested in becoming a mentor or mentee through the NAMSS Mentorship Program? Click here to start your mentorship journey. Not a NAMSS member but seeking an MSP mentor or mentee? Join NAMSS to take advantage of this members-only benefit.
Chris Hinton, CPCS, CPMSM, is currently the NAMSS Secretary/Treasurer. She previously served as the NAMSS Education Committee Chair and as a Director at Large. Chris is dedicated to ensuring that MSPs are acknowledged for their efforts as being the gatekeepers of patient safety.