Growing Strong Roots Mentoring Program Launched at Maplewood, RiverLedge

CANTON - Roughly 10 veteran CNAs from both our Maplewood and RiverLedge skilled nursing facilities will become mentors through the newly launched Growing Strong Roots program.

A veteran CNA works with a new hire at Maplewood.

"It's a CNA mentorship program designed to help us with employee retention," said Maplewood Staff Development Assistant Robin Leonard, who led the effort to bring the program to United Helpers.

"This program is designed to help new CNAs, not just with their skills, but also with social aspects of life in the workplace," she said.

Veteran CNAs who are selected as mentors will be recognized and received additional compensation for their efforts, but the program isn't meant for people just seeking out a raise.

"Applicants have to have good attendance, good job performance and submit recommendations from their supervisor, as well as a peer," Ms. Leonard said, adding once a CNA becomes a mentor, there is no guarantee they will continue to be a part of the program.

"After about a month the mentor will evaluate the orientees and vice versa," she said, explaining "Mentors will be evaluated based on their performance as mentors to ensure the programs stays meaningful."

Prior to becoming a mentor those selected to participate in the program will undergo a one day training session.

"Some of our highest turnover rates are among our CNAs and obviously we want to reduce that," Ms. Leonard said. "One of the main reasons people tell us for leaving is that they "didn't feel a connection.'" This program is designed to give people a connection and introduce them to someone who will befriend them and not just act as a trainer."

Ms. Leonard said mentors will spread out across all shifts to ensure each new hire is given time with a mentor regardless of when they work.