The Bridging the Gap committee is in the process of matching senior HIM students with HIM mentors.  Our committee is requesting your assistance.  We would appreciate if you can please mention we are looking for mentors from your region on your websites and/or your regional meetings.  Currently there are 21 senior HIM students that are in the process of being placed and the committee is always looking for more HIM mentors to assist the students. 

Attached is a copy of the Bridging the Gap Task Force Mentorship Program Guidelines and Agreement.  If you have anyone from your region that is interesting in being a mentor please have them fax the completed agreement form to Gina McNellis at 407-316-9982 or e-mail me at gmcnellis@yahoo.com or Terry Barnes at terrybar@msn.com.

Your assistance in this process is greatly appreciated.  Thank you.

Terry Barnes – Co-Chair Bridging the Gap Committee 2009-2010

Gina McNellis – Co-Chair Bridging the Gap Committee 2009-2010

Bridging the Gap Task Force

Mentorship Program Guidelines and Agreement

FHIMA Mentorship Program Mission Statement:

The FHIMA Mentorship Program promotes communication and professional relationships between students, who are currently in a CAHIIM approved HIA or HIT program in the state of

, and mentors who are experienced, energetic, and committed HIM professionals willing to contribute to the future excellence of the HIM profession. Mentors share their experiences, offer advice and encouragement, answer questions, and act as leaders/advisors to the student in which they are assigned.

Goals:

The FHIMA Mentorship Program strives to provide:

1. A forum where students can obtain practical and honest career advice from experienced professionals.  

2. Information that is timely and useful, and corresponds with ongoing student concerns.

3. Mentor responses that are meaningful, accurate, and clear representation of the current HIM field environment.

4. Examples of conduct that inspire students and instill in them a sense of pride in the HIM profession.

5. Increased awareness about FHIMA’s and AHIMA’s commitment to the future of HIM, about the latest FHIMA and AHIMA resources available to members, and the many benefits of continued membership.

6. Methods for efficiently directing students to appropriate HIM information sources.

7. Ways of identifying possible future tracks, needs, concerns, and challenges of the HIM profession.

8.  To help “Bridge the Gap” for students between education and employment.

Membership Requirements:

• A FHIMA Mentorship Program Mentor must be a member of AHIMA, FHIMA and their local region HIMA.

• A FHIMA Mentorship Program Student must be a 2^nd year HIT or a senior year HIA student in a CAHIIM approved program in the state of

. 

1. Mentors must commit to making contact 2 times monthly to talk with the student in which they are assigned. (Additional interaction/contact may be desired and is at the discretion of the mentor and student to arrange.) 
2. Mentors must commit to a 1-year term to mentor a student.  The term is from January 1^st through December 31^st each year.
3. Mentors must commit to providing their assigned student with encouragement, support and professional advice.
4. Mentors must commit to introduce their assigned student to other HIM professionals in order to create networking relationships for the student.  This does not necessarily have to be formal face to face introductions.
5. Mentors must commit to assist their student by reviewing their resume and providing constructive yet positive feedback.
6. Mentors must commit to help their student determine what entry level positions would be suitable and ideas on how and where to begin their job search.

NOTE:  Approximate time needed to commit to the program is 2 hours monthly or 24 hours for the 1 year commitment. This is a 1:1 student/ mentor ratio.

Student Responsibilities:

1. Students must commit to participating in 2 conversations monthly with the mentor in which they are assigned. (Additional interaction/contact may be desired and is at the discretion of the mentor and student to arrange.) 
2. Students must commit to a 1-year term to work with their mentor.  The term is from January 1^st through December 31^st each year.
3. Students must commit and be willing to meet others in the HIM profession and form networking relationships.
4. Students must commit to working on their resume and accepting constructive yet positive feedback from their mentor.
5. Students must commit to work with their mentor to determine what entry level positions are suitable for them and how and where to begin their job search.  (If the student is currently working in an HIM related field, they may work on current position enhancement ideas, room for promotion or other ways to grow in their current position.)
6. Students must commit to participate in their local region HIMA association meetings, educational events, volunteer opportunities etc.

NOTE:  Approximate time needed to commit to the program is 2 hours monthly or 24 hours for the 1 year commitment. This is a 1:1 student/ mentor ratio.