References

Andrews M, Brewer M, Buchan T, Denne A, Hammond J, Hardy G, Jacobs L, McKenzie L, West S Implementation and sustainability of the nursing and midwifery standards for mentoring in the UK. Nurse Educ Pract. 2010; 10:(5)251-5 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nepr.2009.11.015

Making a Difference. Strengthening the Nursing, Midwifery and Health Visiting Contribution to Health and Healthcare.London: DH; 1999

Fitzgerald M, Gibson F, Gunn K Contemporary issues relating to assessments. Nurse Educ Pract. 2010; 10:(3)158-63 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nepr.2009.06.001

McArthur GS, Burns I An evaluation, at the 1-year stage, of a 3-year project to introduce practice education facilitators to NHS Tayside and Fife. Nurse Educ Pract. 2007; 8:(3)149-55 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nepr.2007.04.008

McCarthy B, Murphy S Assessing undergraduate nursing students in clinical practice: do preceptors use assessment strategies?. Nurse Educ Today. 2008; 28:(3)301-13

Myall M, Levett-Jones T, Lathlean J Mentorship in contemporary practice: the experiences of nursing students and practice mentors. J Clin Nurs. 2008; 17:(14)1834-42 https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2702.2007.02233.x

Standards to support learning and assessment in practice: NMC standards for mentors, practice teachers and teachers.London: NMC; 2008

Nettleton P, Bray L Current mentorship schemes might be doing our students a disservice. Nurse Educ Pract. 2008; 8:(3)205-12

Phillips T, Schostak J, Tyler JLondon: The English National Board for Nursing, Midwifery and Health Visiting; 2000

Stuart C Mentoring, Learning and Assessment in Clinical Practice.London: Elsevier; 2013

Is it the carrot or the stick?

02 February 2015
Volume 23 · Issue 2

Abstract

Student midwife Paulina Sporek discusses the value in mentors.

In Greek mythology, mentor was the wise and faithful advisor to Odysseus. Today the term ‘mentor’ is generally used to describe a friend, role model, an able advisor and a person who provides support in many ways (Stuart, 2013). According to the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) a mentor is ‘a mandatory requirement for pre-registration nursing and midwifery students' (NMC, 2008). Mentors are accountable to the NMC for their decision that students are fit-for-practise and that they have the necessary knowledge, skills and competence to take on the role of registered nurse or midwife.

Students' practice experience is widely acknowledged as one of the most important parts of their preparation to become health professionals. In its report Making a Difference, the Department of Health (DH) (1999) stated that provision of practice placements is a vital part of the education process and that every practitioner shares responsibility to support and teach the next generation of nurses and midwives. Learning in the clinical setting ensures that future midwives are fit-for-practise and purpose and mentors are a key support to students in practice.

Register now to continue reading

Thank you for visiting British Journal of Midwifery and reading some of our peer-reviewed resources for midwives. To read more, please register today. You’ll enjoy the following great benefits:

What's included

  • Limited access to our clinical or professional articles

  • New content and clinical newsletter updates each month