In my life, I have had many mentors in different areas of my life. Their contribution to who I am today cannot be measured. The significance of our interactions, lessons learned, and wisdom they have imparted on me have helped in my development as a nurse and a healer.
I can remember my first mentor in high school. Mrs. Kelly was an older woman who taught a nursing class in our school as well as the drama club coordinator. She was in one of the first graduating classes from Boston College School of Nursing. Her quick wit, passion for nursing, and her friendly nature drew me to her. I took her classes all 4 years of high school. In my senior year of high school, I was her "Nursing Extern" where my role was to help teach the previous years classes and to act as a mentor to the younger aspiring nurses in the class. She trusted and believed in me. I knew from her guidance that I would become an excellent nurse one day. Her influence was so great, that I chose to attend the same nursing school that she attended.
As a new graduate ICU nurse, I had older nurses that I looked up to for guidance. It was important to me to have easy-going experienced nurses I could ask questions to and not feel threatened or god-forbid, stupid. Even after being a nurse for 11 years, I still feel the need to have a nurse mentor. The world of medicine is always changing so no matter how much I think I know, there is always more to learn.
As I began taking courses in Healing Touch, I easily identified two amazing nurses and Certified Healing Touch Practitioners that I looked up to as mentors. When my apprenticeship began after taking Level 4, I chose the first person I thought of who had helped in my development as a healer for the previous 6 months. Donna is a beautiful soul whose smile radiates love and kindness. She led a monthly support group where those who have taken Healing Touch classes can come to practice the techniques they've learned, discuss our experiences, and be around like-minded individuals. It was at these groups that I developed a close friendship with Donna. When Donna pinned me at my pinning ceremony, I knew that I had chosen a mentor who I not only looked up to, but also loved dearly. Although I am now myself a Certified Healing Touch Practitioner, I still consider Donna my mentor as someone I can go to with concerns, questions, or to share my experiences.
My second lovely honorary Healing Touch mentor is my compassionate friend Trish. I was blessed with working with Trish for a year in the same hospital during my apprenticeship year. We would frequently discuss Healing Touch, my struggles with working in a stressful work environment, and how to keep doing the work by staying centered and grounded. I began helping in her Level 1 Healing Touch classes so that I could learn from one of the best. Each time I am in her class, I learn more about Healing Touch, myself, and how to be a more compassionate ICU nurse. Our friendship has grown over the past few years that I even consider her a surrogate mother for me.
I've also found mentors in practitioners that I see to maintain my own health and wellness. My acupuncturist Justin has become a mentor in so many different ways. Although we do not practice the same technique, both are energy therapies and complement each other
well. I look up to him in how he interacts with his clients, how he manages a patient case-load, and how he runs his practice. I strive in many ways to have a practice just like him where the patient feels comfortable, well-cared for, and in a partnership with their practitioner. I look forward to our conversations that center around how to better take care of ourselves first so that we can then be there for our patients. I also learn an incredible amount about Chinese medicine, Qi movement, and nutrition.
Having mentors in your life is so important to help in your development. This is true for everyone. For new mothers, they tend to look toward their mothers, grandmothers, and friends who have already had a baby to guide a young mother on raising a child. In the business world, a higher up in the company might mentor a young executive on how to achieve success in business.
When choosing someone as a mentor, it's important to find someone who you trust, feel comfortable going to with questions, and have a strong rapport. They should be someone you admire. Their contributions to your personal and professional life will last a lifetime, so make sure their values match closely with your own.
We are always growing and evolving. Often times, we need the guidance of those who have been where we are to help us continue to grow in our chosen paths or professions. By having mentors in our life, we benefit from their support, wisdom, and experiences. The most surprising benefit from the relationship will most likely be what your mentor receives from you. As a mentorship is a two-way street, the mentor is blessed with learning from you. We are all unique with beautiful talents and ideas to share. I have been asked by a dear friend to be her mentor in Healing Touch. I am so blessed to be able to share my knowledge and guidance with her as she embarks on her own journey. I believe with all of the amazing mentors in my life, they have molded me to be exactly who she will need as a mentor.
Have you thought about the inspirational people in your life who have mentored you? Share your stories below.
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