156 Empowering Clinical Research Coordinators: A Mentorship Program Evaluation at University of Florida’s (UF) Gainesville and Jacksonville Campuses

Objectives/Goals: Create a supportive Clinical Research Coordinator (CRC) and Clinical Research Nurse consortium at UF. Facilitate mentorship groups to enhance knowledge on key topics. Build strong professional relationships among members. Empower members through collaboration. Develop future leaders and mentor in clinical research. Methods/Study Population: The CRC Group Mentorship Program at UF’s Gainesville and Jacksonville campuses addresses mentorship needs identified in a recent needs assessment, reflecting strong interest among CRC/CRNs. Small groups are formed using the Group Mentorship and Co-Mentoring Circles models, meeting bimonthly for six months on shared research interests. Co-lead mentors guide learning, peer support, communication skills, and goal setting while tracking progress. Mentees engage in peer learning, skill development, and networking. A dedicated Microsoft Teams platform provides resources to enhance confidence in Joint Task Force Clinical Trial Competencies and fosters collaboration through Q&A sessions, activities, assessments, and meetings, improving real-time and asynchronous interactions. Results/Anticipated Results: To measure mentor program impact, pre- and post-program surveys assess changes in knowledge, skills, and confidence among mentors and mentees, providing insights into effectiveness and areas for improvement. Monthly, the program features two meetings focusing on Joint Task Force competencies: a workshop for all groups on essential mentorship and CRC/CRN competencies, followed by evaluations, quizzes, and continuing education credits. The second meeting is group-specific, led by co-lead mentors, requiring submissions that demonstrate the application of learned knowledge and skills. This structure ensures continuous relevance and quality enhancement in future programs. Discussion/Significance of Impact: The program meets CRCs and CRNs’ critical needs through structured mentorship, fostering a supportive environment. It promotes continuous learning and professional development, enhancing job satisfaction and ensuring the sustainability of valuable research professionals.