Patient to Patient Mentoring Program

Frequently Asked Questions

• How do I qualify for the program?

  • Must have been on dialysis for one year or more
  • Complete an application to join the program
  • Complete at least 4 out of 6 training modules
  • Willing to set aside time to meet with a peer

• How long does it take to do the training?

  This is different for everyone! Completion usually averages between 30-45 minutes per module. The best thing to do is try the first one and see how it goes. If it’s not for you, you don’t have to continue. The program is designed to be self-paced, so you can stop and start to suit your schedule. There is no time limit for completing the training. 

• Why do I have to do so many training modules?

  It’s very important that Mentors have a basic understanding of dialysis, the expectations of the Mentor role, and who to refer someone to if they have issues that a professional is best suited to handle. Modules are broken down into smaller pieces to cover all these areas. They are also separated to make learning easier. There are six modules, but you only have to complete four to be fully certified. The first three set the foundation to ensure you have a basic understanding of dialysis, understand the role of being a peer mentor, and know who to refer a peer to if they have issues or questions that a professional should help them with. The last three modules focus on speaking with patients who are new to dialysis, patients who are interested in home options, and patients who are interested in transplantation. You can choose from the last three modules and do one, two or all three if you want!

• How much time does mentoring a peer take?

  Every pairing will be unique. Some folks just want to hear from others about a specific topic and only need to meet the one time to get a couple questions answered. Some need a buddy to help them not feel alone and may want to meet once a week for a half hour a few times. It’s up to you and your peer to decide how often and how long to meet.

• How long will each mentoring session take?

  Every pairing will be unique. Some may only take a couple minutes to answer specific questions. Others may be a half hour of chatting to get to know each other and talk about the journey. It depends on what your peer is looking for and the time you both agree to set for it. 

• How many people do I have to meet with each week?

  It is not recommended to take on more than two peers at a time to mentor. It is perfectly okay to only have one at a time. It is unlikely that you will consistently have a meeting each week. Expect breaks!

• Do I have to mentor patients outside of my dialysis facility?

  No. Sometimes mentors prefer to stay available only to their facility. That is okay! Others may be willing to be available to peers at any facility. The Network will contact these mentors to pair with peers who may not have a mentor at their facility. Because mentoring does not have to be in-person, people can get together by phone, email or video chat. No travel is required! Pairings with people at your facility will most likely be coordinated by your dialysis center. 

• What if I am not a good fit with the peer I’m paired with?

  Sometimes this happens! Just let your social worker or the Network know and we will pair the peer with someone else. No worries!

• How will I get paired with a peer?

  When you are fully certified as a Peer Mentor, your facility and/or the Network will help to identify a peer to match you with. Once confidentiality forms are signed, you will be provided with the peer’s contact information. You can then reach out to your peer and decide on the best time and way to meetup. 

• What if I identify a peer that I would like to mentor?

  Let your social worker or the Network know. Confidentiality forms should be completed first.