Become involved in ONS mentoring and enjoy the benefits of an expanded professional network! ONS now offers members the opportunity to easily gain and provide peer support and guidance through its mentoring programs.

Studies have found that nurses who are members of ethnically diverse backgrounds often seek out mentors of their same backgrounds for support as they develop their careers. With this in mind, ONS developed the Ethnic Minority Mentorship Program, pairing nursing leaders with newer nurses interested in developing their professional skills. Mentoring is a great way to meet other nurses with similar interests, and you are invited to become a vital part of this unique mentorship initiative. It takes about 5 minutes to join, and you can now do it all easily online!

As a mentor, you'll be in a position to offer professional support and help groom mentees for future leadership positions within the Society, in the community, and at their institutions. You will also have the opportunity to strengthen your coaching skills and demonstrate leadership, while contributing to the development of cancer nurses from around the world. We are confident that you will find this to be one of the most rewarding experiences in your professional career.

And, as a mentee, you will expand your personal networking opportunities, have a sounding board for testing your ideas and plans, receive positive and constructive advice and feedback on professional and personal development, and increase your self-awareness and self-discipline. You'll communicate with someone whose 'been there' and avoid potential pitfalls in your profession.

Learn or hone your skills through the Ethnic Minority Mentoring Program.

In the article, Honoring Diversity, Debra Williams writes that minority nurses are most likely to join membership associations that have individuals from their ethnic group in leadership positions, such as on advisory panels, boards, and on staff. They also seem to be attracted by one-on-one recruitment efforts and desire professional support once they have joined. The ONS Ethnic Minority Mentoring Program offers members this support.