Support for mentors-an exploration of the issues.
Nursing and midwifery mentors are fundamental to the process of ensuring future practitioners are adequately prepared and supported during the practice element of their degrees. However, there is evidence to suggest that the infrastructure and support for the mentoring role is not always adequate. This article provides a review of some of the issues including the emotional labour associated with supporting pre-registration students, difficulties in accessing protected learning time for mentoring, and lack of supportive networks for mentors to develop within the role. The authors make recommendations on what is required to ensure that the mentor role is better acknowledged, supported and resourced.
Principal Lecturer, School of Health and Community Studies, Leeds Beckett University.
Liz
L
Clark
Senior Lecturer, School of Health and Community Studies, Leeds Beckett University.
Debbie
D
Casey
D002983:Clinical Competence; D004506:Education, Nursing / Q000379:methods*; D005181:Faculty, Nursing / Q000193:education* / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D007858:Learning; D000071252:Mentoring / Q000379:methods*; D008611:Mentors / Q000193:education* / Q000523:psychology; D008880:Midwifery / Q000193:education*; D006113:United Kingdom
Communities of practice; Mentor challenges; Mentor support; Nursing and midwifery mentors; Protected learning time