The VGH Emergency Department (ED) has always valued teamwork. In fact, teamwork is essential when it comes to caring for the acutely ill and injured. Everyone, no matter how seasoned or new, fulfills a crucial role and is counted as necessary.

The idea of a group of people working towards a common goal, creating a positive atmosphere and supporting each other to combine individual strengths to enhance teamwork doesn’t just happen overnight. It needs to be nurtured, fostered and grown.

“Mentoring is a brain to pick, an ear to listen, and a push in the right direction.”

John C. Crosby

And that’s exactly why a group of colleagues recently came together. They wanted to learn how to support each other – and others – as they work in teams in the crisis-driven environment of the ED.

Mentorships built on relationships

A pictorial to answer the question: What is mentoring?

The VGH ED Mentorship Group is about building relationships in which a more experienced or more knowledgeable person helps to guide a less experienced or less knowledgeable person in ways beyond skills. The mentor may be older or younger than the mentee, but she or he must have a certain area of expertise.

The group came together to learn about:

• clear communication;
• consistency at work;
• qualities of a great leader; and
• the importance of emotional intelligence.

The participants, who already lead by example, were encouraged to pass on their skills and knowledge and to model good leadership every day.

Little by little, step by step, and conversation by conversation our new ED mentors are helping us make a shift, because they – like everyone in the ED – share a passion about the health of their department and are engaged to create positive change.