Mentor FAQs

What are the steps to becoming a mentor?

  1. Complete a mentor application. You can find the link here. The application requires you to provide your contact information, tell us a little bit about your hospital experience and provide two hospital staff references. Once you submit your application, the program coordinator will follow up with your references and then call you with more information. This process usually takes about 3 days.
  2. Background check. Once you have completed your application, your references have been reviewed, and you have been contacted by the program coordinator, you will be asked to complete a background check. The background check can be done through Nationwide Children’s Hospital at no cost to you.
  3. Orientation. All mentors complete orientation either through a small group session or a one-on-one training. Group orientation is offered every other month on a Saturday morning from 9 a.m. to noon. One-on-one orientation can be arranged during the week if you are unable to attend on a Saturday.
  4. TB test. Because mentors have the possibility of meeting with families in patient care areas, they are required to get a QuantiFERON-Gold blood test to evaluate for TB. This is done in Nationwide Children’s outpatient lab on the same day as orientation. It is a one part test that does not require you to return for it to be read.
  5. Flu vaccine. During flu season, mentors are required to get a flu vaccine. This can be completed for free at Nationwide Children’s or you may get a vaccine at your physician or community provider and submit documentation to us.

How will I connect with other families?

You will be able to connect with other families over the phone, through email, or in-person. Should you and your mentee choose to meet in person, you may meet at the hospital or in a community setting. Most families choose to connect over phone or email due to the convenience, but you and your mentee can decide what works best for the two of you.

What’s the time commitment?

The type and frequency of each match will vary based on the reason for the match. This is based on mentee preference. Some families may want to connect only a couple of times, while others are looking for a more long-term connection. The program coordinator asks each mentee family about their expectations and will inform you of this information to allow you to decide if you are available to mentor a particular family.

Orientation requires a 3-hour time commitment. In addition you will need to allow time for your background check, TB test and flu vaccine. You are required to complete a shorter online retraining annually.

Do I have to live in central Ohio to be a mentor?

No. In fact, many mentors live outside of central Ohio, some even live out of state. If you do not live near the hospital, you will most likely connect with families through phone and email only.