Preparing stewards for tomorrow. A healthcare system's intern program provides mentors for potential trustees

Mentors can provide support essential to a person's advancement and growth in a new business or position. Because of the complex and rapidly changing nature of healthcare, mentors can be particularly valuable to persons interested in becoming healthcare facility trustees. Since 1987, the Sisters of Mercy Health System (SMHS), St. Louis, has implemented a comprehensive intern program for potential trustees. Each intern is assigned to a board and a board member mentor at an SMHS facility. The program lasts for two years and includes a didactic component, independent study, clinical experience, regularly scheduled meetings, and issuance of a certificate on completion. Thus far, the interns have been sisters from education, healthcare, social service, or other ministries. They must show abilities crucial for successful trustees (such as listening skills), an appreciation of and strong support for the ministry, and a willingness to commit the time and energy to the program. Mentors chosen for the program also must devote time to orientation and meetings and must assist interns in integrating mission and values into board activities. In addition, mentors help interns identify the focus of present structures and resources and their appropriateness and discuss the trustee's role and responsibilities and dynamics for quality decision making.