California's Professional Mentoring Program: how to develop a statewide mentoring program.

Trends in downsizing, restructuring, increased diversity, and individual responsibility for career development have sparked a renewed interest in mentoring. Technology is changing the way professionals practice, including dieticians. This is reflected in the strategic goals for the American Dietetic Association (ADA). In 1999, with the aid of an ADA Affiliate/Dietetic Practice Group (DPG) Collaborative Strategic Initiatives Grant, a Mid-Career Mentoring Program (MCMP) was developed in California. This program provided an opportunity for dietitians with advanced skills (mentors) to be matched with those desiring to develop new skills (mentees). A six-step process was used to develop the program. The six steps include: appoint a coordinator; identify prospective mentors; locate resources; define tasks and establish procedures; identify mentees; and begin the program. A final product of the grant was the development of the handbook The Helping Hand. This handbook can be used by other affiliates or practice groups that may wish to develop a mentoring program. Mentoring programs can assist registered dietitians and DTRs (dietetic technicians, registered) in developing their educational plans for the new Professional Development 2001 certification process.