Developing future leaders through electronic mentoring program

Abstract

<p><strong>Purpose:</strong> One of the issues with Kappa Tau Chapter is retaining new inductees after the first year of membership. Kappa Tau addressed this issue by engaging new inductees in the mission and vision of chapter through an e- mentorship with a board member. E-mentoring is a relationship developed between a protegee and mentor through the use of electronic communications like e-mail. It is anticipated that both groups will have positive experiences and remain committed to the nursing profession and Kappa Tau Chapter.</p> <p><strong>Methods:</strong> All new inductees were sent a personalized e-mail welcoming them to Kappa Tau and asking that they fill out a short survey. Board members were e-mailed a similar survey. Of the thirty-six new members inducted in 2009, thirteen completed the online survey and seven requested a mentor. The mentoring relationships were matched based on similar practice areas or recreational interests. Coaching for both the mentors and the protegee was sent out in e-mail to engage them within the program.</p> <p><strong>Results:</strong> The protegee that were mentored participated in 1-2 chapter events and participated in board meetings. Retention rate of the new inductees increase by 10 % after the first year of induction and received positive feedback from both the mentor and protegee on the new program. Mentors reported re-energized in their commitment to the organization and to nursing profession.</p> <p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The development of the e-mentoring program in Kappa Tau Chapter was beneficial in retention of new inductees. The STTI Call to Action set forth by President Karen Morin for this biennial served as a foundation for our work by creating a welcoming environment for members. This program may serve as a model for other chapters who are also having a hard time with retention of new inductees.</p>