Mentor of the Year Award Recipient 2023
Cynthia Campbell, bRN, MHA, CCS-HH
Senior Director Advisory Services, WellSky
Why did you seek to mentor with NAHC?
It is a joy to take part in the NAHC Mentorship program, learning with others as we mutually open ourselves to growth. I was asked to reflect on what the NAHC Mentorship program has meant to me, brings me to a place of deep gratitude. I have learned more than I ever expected to teach. It is an honor to be part of a process of expanded thinking and learning, purposefully joining others as we work to serve people in need.
When did you begin your mentorship journey?
My professional growth within care at home has been nurtured by mentors along the way, many of whom helped me build bridges of insight and community connection.
Best practice is not born of a single person’s idea! We need each other. There is a rich network of collegial support within the NAHC community of members and exemplified by the team of experts working on the NAHC team. Within this diverse network lies expertise which we have been able to systematically tap through the NAHC Mentorship program, linking mentees with NAHC leaders, committees and other members, pairing resources with need.
Together we have been able to help each other expand insight and positive intent, while building friendships, understanding and support. My sincere hope is that we can continue to pay it forward, learning along the way. Supported in Together we walked the road of shared learning, in the form of ‘regular’ zoom meetings, as our schedules allowed.
How was the NAHC Mentoring process?
My adventure working with NAHC Mentees over the past couple of years has ranged from career counseling to jointly exploring the depths of the NAHC team’s departmental resources, which has been deeply beneficial to both my mentees and to me. Meeting with the various staff members and leaders within NAHC, we have been able to learn more about the deep resources we have which connect people with purpose. Sounds a bit corny, but the manifestations of this work are rich in impact!
How was your NAHC Mentorship pairing?
Imagine being able to connect a mentee with the regulatory ability of a NAHC Medicaid expert to help pressure test, advocate for and realize enhanced services for children under a rural State program’s Medicaid benefit. An influencer within her state’s practice, this mentee now will become the mentor of others as pediatric services are better defined for providers within this State. We help each other, while supporting forward movement toward our goals.
The NAHC Mentor program challenged us to expand our understanding of how we can help each other serve a rapidly changing population of healthcare need. That support, taking the form of mentor and mentee relationships, has been as wide-ranging as are the needs and strengths we each bring to this practice. The NAHC mentor program has helped many better understand, support and accelerate our practice and advocacy.
Did you find the NAHC Mentoring program valuable?
Healthy mentoring allows us to gain feedback from someone who may see in us what we may not see in ourselves. Mentoring can reinforce shared values and provide honest feedback for professional growth. Mentoring values dialogue and provides a safe space to explore ideas; while not letting you fall on your face – a process wherein we feel safe to learn together. We share resources and tools to make each other better leaders and servants. Within the precious relationships gained through the NAHC mentor program, we have laughed, prayed, gained momentum and worked to figure things out, one goal at a time.
Would you recommend the NAHC Mentoring Program?
For me, the value of the NAHC Mentor program has never felt more important. As we rise to the opportunities and challenges of our work, we can serve more effectively when learning together.
I strongly encourage you to take advantage of the NAHC Mentor program, both as a mentee looking to learn more about how to advance your craft, or as a mentor, sharing insights and connecting people. Together, we can enhance our ability to advance the practice of healthcare at home, joining together in shared experience and learning.