title: Interviewing student and qualified nurses to find out what makes an effective mentor.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  A research project was undertaken to explore what constitutes a successful mentor.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To increase understanding within the profession as to what makes an effective mentor.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study mainly used qualitative methods, initially involving interviews with eight third year mental health student nurses, and postal questionnaires sent to 270 qualified mentors.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A positive attitude and being highly motivated are important attributes for both the mentor and student, if mentoring is to be effective. Mentors felt that having formal supervision would ensure theywere supported appropriately. They also suggested they needed protected time to mentor to develop effective working relationships.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Effective mentoring produces effective students, who in turn become competent, confident registrants.
authors.affiliation: Anglia Ruskin University, Chelmsford, Essex.
authors.forename: Julie
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Teatheredge
mesh_terms: D004506:Education, Nursing; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008611:Mentors; D011568:Psychiatric Nursing / Q000193:education; D013663:Teaching / Q000379:methods; D006113:United Kingdom