Mentorship Matters: How we support and motivate each other

Authored by Vivian Campagna, MSN, RN-BC, CCM, Chief Industry Relations Officer (CIRO) for The Commission for Case Manager Certification

Every day, our clients turn to us to help them find their way through a health challenge they or their loved ones are facing. Often, they come to us when they are anxious, scared, confused and not feeling well. Always, they come to us for help in navigating the system. To be the one who will help them make sense of the situation and to support them with whatever decision they make.

The satisfaction and pride we feel from being that guiding light or that port in the storm is priceless. But what happens when the shoe is on the other foot? What happens when WE are the ones feeling stressed, anxious, worried about the future? What keeps us going? How do we keep EACH OTHER going?

Mentorship can take many forms from the formal developmental programs at school or work, to the support that happens between supervisors and employees, to the informal daily words of encouragement we give to each other -- words matter.

We recently sponsored a contest on allnurses.com to see what words matter most. What do we say to help build each other up? What do we say to each other to keep others going? How we are developing others?

The response was incredible – we received more than 150 submissions in just over a week! The quotes shared don’t just say something about how much case managers value mentorship. They also say something about what’s most important to us as professionals and as people. We share words of wisdom and encouragement to help each other persevere, take pride in our work and remember our “why” for pursuing this vocation.

What quotes do you use to motivate colleagues?

Overcoming adversity

“Together, we are strong and the work lighter! We have your back!”

“Lean in, come alongside, and finish strong!”

“When ‘I’ is replaced with ‘we’ even illness can become wellness.”

“The bamboo that bends is stronger than the oak that resists” (Japanese proverb). This quote encourages team members to remain resilient and flexible in the challenges that we face daily…being resilient is at the core of a great care manager and we should all work towards instilling this quality in our clients as we facilitate their care and empower them.”

“It isn’t just a caseload. There are people behind each number, all who are dealing with challenges in their lives. Be compassionate, be creative in your solutions, but most of all, be human.”

“We all understand the importance of asking for help, but those who achieve big things are the ones who accept it when it’s offered” (Simon Sinek).

“If it doesn’t challenge you, it won’t change you.”

The pride of making a difference

“We get to do this!”

“To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition. To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.”

“You are…the first line of defense, vocal, a warrior, devoted and a mender. You are a case manager.”

“Walk in the shoes of those we serve and strike to leave no stone unturned.”

“When I think about all the patients and their loved ones that I have worked with over the years, I know most of them don’t remember me nor I them, but I do know that I gave a little piece of myself to each of them and they to me and those threads make up the beautiful tapestry in my mind that is my career in nursing and case management.”

What were some words of wisdom or advice you’ve received from a mentor that most influenced you?

Don’t stop reaching for your goals

“Once you find your mountain, no giant will stop you, no age will disqualify you, no problems will defeat you!”

“You will learn more from failure than success. Don’t let it stop you, failure builds character.”

“Never let time, distance or money stop you from your goals.”

Be kind to yourself

“Put your oxygen mask on first in case of an emergency. Remember to take care of yourself. You cannot help others be at their best if you are passed out from lack of oxygen.”

“When I was first starting, I was so nervous I would forget a resource or make a mistake. My mentor told me, ‘It’s OK. It’s their first time they’ve seen the show.’ That has helped me in many new situations at work and at home!”

“Believe in yourself. You have all it takes.”

Remembering your “why”

“One of the greatest gifts we can provide someone in a time of need is direction. Being a case manager allows you to simplify a daunting task or circumstances with one step at a time.”

“Rejoice in your work. Never lose sight of the nursing leader you are now and the nursing leader you will become.”

“You are the voice of the patient who cannot speak for themselves, you are a patient advocate at all times.”

I hope that you find these quotes as uplifting and motivating as we did at the Commission. For all who submitted quotes, thank you! For everyone, I hope that you’ll set these aside and use them often. Also, remember that the Commission has many resources that you’ll find useful in your own professional and leadership development—and for helping to develop others. Our next generation of case managers surely will benefit from all the experience, support and words of wisdom we can give them!

And in closing, I leave you with my favorite inspirational quote. “At the end of the day, people won’t remember what you said or did, they will remember how you made them feel” (Maya Angelou).