As a fresh graduate stepping into the world of occupational therapy, the transition from the classroom to the clinic can be both exhilarating and daunting. It's a journey filled with opportunities, challenges, and growth. In this article, we’ll explore the vital role of mentorship in shaping your career, drawing from my extensive experience as an occupational therapist in Australia and Ireland over the past two decades. Whether you're aiming to thrive in public health, the private sector, or non-profit work, understanding what to look for in a mentorship program is crucial.

In addition to my role as an occupational therapist, I've had the privilege of developing graduate programs for large national allied health providers, public health departments, & allied health private practices. These experiences, alongside my experience of designing & coordinating final year community placements for undergraduate and masters level OT students, have underscored the vital role mentorship plays in shaping the future of occupational therapy.

In my role as mentor for Inclusive OT, I provide external

supervision to private practices across Australia, supporting

OTs who are beginning their careers in healthcare.

The Mentorship Paradox 

Mentorship bridges the gap between academic knowledge and real-world practice, helping you develop the skills and confidence needed to excel in your field. Yet, choosing the right mentor or mentorship program can be overwhelming.

First, let’s look at the definition of "clinical supervision" from "mentoring", in the context of occupational therapy practice.

Clinical supervision is a structured, evaluative process primarily focused on professional development, skill enhancement, and ensuring the quality and safety of client care (Snowdon et al., 2020). It involves ongoing oversight, feedback, and guidance from a more experienced therapist to support the supervisee's clinical decision-making and adherence to ethical and professional standards.

Mentoring, on the other hand, emphasises a supportive and developmental relationship between a mentor and mentee. It aims to facilitate career growth, provide guidance, and enhance personal and professional development. Mentoring focuses on broader career-related goals and overall growth rather than direct clinical oversight (Schoen et al., 2021).

Mentoring programs often cover a wide range of topics, including professional ethics, leadership skills, work-life balance, and staying up-to-date with current research and trends. These aspects are essential for well-rounded professional development but may not be the primary focus of clinical supervision.

Personalised Support: The Foundation of Mentorship

Your mentorship experience should begin with personalised support. It's the cornerstone of effective mentorship. While clinical supervision is vital for immediate skill development and ensuring quality care within your specific role, working with a mentor who is not your clinical supervisor provides a broader perspective, objective feedback, and opportunities for career exploration and personal growth. Both relationships complement each other and contribute to your overall development as an occupational therapist

The Anatomy of an Effective Mentorship Program

While clinical supervision is essential for ensuring safe and effective client care and skill development, mentoring programs offer a broader and more holistic approach to professional growth and career development. Both clinical supervision and mentoring have their places in a new graduate's journey, but combining both can lead to a well-rounded and successful career in occupational therapy.

Look for mentorship programs that offer one-on-one support

tailored to your unique needs.

Here are some key factors to consider:

1. Personalised Support: Look for mentorship programs that offer one-on-one support tailored to your unique needs. Personalised guidance fosters individual growth and helps you develop your clinical identity.

2. Experienced Mentors: Seek out mentors with extensive experience in the field who can bring a wealth of knowledge and diverse perspectives to your learning journey. These mentors can help you with accountability checks to make sure you are on the right path and are therefore less likely to steer of course. Learning from those who have navigated the complexities of the profession can provide insights and wisdom that textbooks can't capture.

3. Structured Programs: A good mentorship programs should offer structured curricula, helping you set clear goals and track your progress. These programs often provide a sense of direction and measurable outcomes. Setting learning objectives is a must! You need to have realistic and purposeful goals to work towards in order to fulfil your new grad journey.

4. Feedback and Reflection: Effective mentorship involves ongoing feedback and opportunities for self-reflection. Constructive criticism and self-assessment are key to continuous improvement.

5. Diverse Learning Opportunities: A well-rounded mentorship program should also offer a diverse range of learning opportunities. Look for initiatives that include graduate focused drop-in sessions, journal clubs and ‘share & learn’ meetings to exchange experiences, challenges, and insights with fellow new graduates. These offer you a great opportunity to build a supportive network of peers who understand your journey.

Diverse learning opportunities through group drop-in sessions

and peer based learning.

The Ripple Effect: How Mentorship Benefits Clients

The impact of mentorship isn't limited to new graduates alone; it resonates with the clients we serve. When new graduates receive the right guidance and support, they become better equipped to provide high-quality care. This translates to improved client outcomes, making mentorship an essential element in elevating the standards of occupational therapy practice.

Mentorship instils confidence, allowing you to approach client interactions with assurance and professionalism. As you grow in your clinical role, you are less likely to second-guess your decisions, resulting in a more reassuring and positive therapeutic relationship with clients.

Mentors often share innovative approaches and strategies with new graduates. This exposure to novel ideas and practices encourages therapists to continually seek ways to improve client care. Occupational therapists who engage in mentorship are more likely to stay updated on emerging trends and technologies, leading to innovative and client-centred interventions (Schoen, et al. 2021).

Mentorship also emphasises the importance of adhering to ethical and professional standards. New graduates learn about the ethical considerations and boundaries that are crucial in occupational therapy practice. Clients benefit from therapists who provide care within a framework of respect, integrity, and ethical conduct which are encompassed within the Australian occupational therapy competency standards (AOTCS) 2018.

Unlocking Opportunities: Remote Mentorship for New Graduates Across Australia

As a fresh graduate entering the world of occupational therapy, you're not limited by geographical boundaries when it comes to mentorship.

In today's interconnected world, you can access invaluable guidance

and support from mentors located anywhere in Australia.

Virtual or online mentorship programs leverage video conferencing platforms, to facilitate one-on-one mentorship sessions. These sessions provide a face-to-face experience, allowing you to build a strong mentor-mentee relationship, even if you're miles apart. They are designed to bridge the gap between mentors and mentees separated by distance. These programs often involve regular virtual meetings, email exchanges, and phone consultations and offer an effective way to receive ongoing guidance and support.

Where can you find a Mentor?

Professional Networking Platforms

LinkedIn and other professional networking platforms provide opportunities to connect with experienced occupational therapists, both in your region and nationwide. Engaging with these platforms can lead to valuable mentorship connections.

Peer Mentorship

Consider connecting with fellow new graduates in your area who are also seeking mentorship. You can establish peer mentorship relationships and support each other's growth remotely.

Remember, the key to successful remote mentorship is active engagement and communication. Be proactive in seeking out mentors and participating in online communities! Embrace the opportunities that technology offers, and you can access valuable mentorship and support no matter where you are in Australia.

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Written By

Angie Contreras, Occupational Therapist

BAppSc(OT), GradCertEdStud(HigherEd), Fellow (HEA

Director & Lead Clinical Mentor, Inclusive OT

References

Snowdon, D.A., Sargent, M., Williams, C.M., Maloney, S., Caspers, K., & Taylor, N.F. (2020). Effective clinical supervision of allied health professionals: A mixed methods study. BMC Health Services Research, 20(2). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-019-4873-8

Schoen, S. A., Gee, B. M., & Ochsenbein, M. (2021). Preparing Advanced Clinicians and Practitioners: A Model for Mentorship in Occupational Therapy Practice. Occupational Therapy International, 2021, 3394478. https://doi.org/10.1155/2021/3394478

Australian Occupational Therapy Competency Standards (AOTCS). (2018). Occupational Therapy Board of Australia. https://www.occupationaltherapyboard.gov.au/codes-guidelines/competencies.aspx