Mentor Update, (2008) – Extended Version.

Content includes: •B71 / B73 SPL Supporting Practice Learning Module,• Continuity of Practice Assessment Record, and• Sign-off Mentor.Produced by David Kinnell, Lecturer, (May 2008).

MENTOR UPDATE 2008. The purpose of annual updating is to ensure that mentors: - Have current knowledge of NMC approved

programmes.- Are able to discuss the implications of

changes to NMC requirements.- Have an opportunity to discuss issues

related to mentoring, assessment of competence and fitness for safe and effective practice, (N.M.C., 2006).

Nursing and Midwifery Council, (2006). Standards to

support learning and assessment in practice: NMC standards for mentors, practice teachers and teachers.

Document available: www.nmc-uk.org

Some of the main changes that started September 2007.

Mentor Preparation: B71 / B73 SPL Supporting Practice Learning Module (10 days).

Sign off mentor: this is only if you work with students in their final management semester.

Continuity of Practice Assessment Record: Ongoing Achievement Record (Initially known as the Student Passport – starts as from September 2007).

Triennial Review (Review your mentorship experience every 3 years to maintain your mentor status).

Mentor database (Placement providers as from September 2007).

Mentor on same part of register (Sign-off Mentor).

Working in Partnership towards meeting the N.M.C. requirements. Other Universities that have been involved

in developing the required changes: The University of Derby, The University of Lincoln, and The Open University. The Mentor Preparation Advisory Group has

representation from across the 3 Health Communities and works in partnership with the Practice Learning Committee.

Also, Disability Liaison Officers have offered guidance = disability equality training.

Mentor Preparation: 10 day Course, over 10 weeks - September 2007

Standard Mentor Training must be 10 days in all Schools of Nursing.

5 days theory based (1, 3, 5, 7 and 9) exploring the new 8 Domains, and constructing the Mentor’s Portfolio.

5 days Work Based Learning in order to collect Portfolio evidence (2, 4, 6, 8, 10).

B71 SPL: Non-credited and B73 SPL: 20 level 3 credits. Must apply through LBR Co-ordinator / QMC =

(0115) 8231213: see programme for dates.

Sign-off Mentor (2010). The Sign-off Mentor will be required only

if you work with students in semester 6 (Management Semester).

All existing mentors already have sign-off mentor status if you work with students in semester six but will need some extra update and support in order to be annotated on the Mentor Database.

1 hour protected time per week. Accountable directly to N.M.C.

Continuity of Practice Assessment Record – Ongoing Achievement Record.

From October 2007 all students will have new practice based documentation that will continue throughout their three year training.

There will only be two copies of the Interview, Assessment, Non-Achievement and Professional Progress Forms.

There will be documentary evidence of any problems experienced in practice and the action plan implemented.

The Sign-off Mentor will have access to this in Semester 6; it will be monitored by the Student’s Personal Tutor throughout.

Skills Escalator Pre-Registration Nursing Courses, (Adapted from Bondy, 1983). Practice Level 4 (Minimum Level: Semester 5 (L3) Semester 6 (L4) I have practiced independently, meeting the standards of proficiency,

seeking advice and support as appropriate and demonstrating knowledge, skills and attitudes appropriate to this practice level.

Practice Level 3 (Minimum Level for End of Year Two): I have practiced with decreasing supervision to achieve the standards of

proficiency, requiring occasional support and prompts in the development of appropriate knowledge, skills and attitudes.

Practice Level 2 (Minimum Level for End of Year One): I have practiced with assistance in the delivery of care to achieve my

practice outcomes (CFP) and standards of proficiency (Branch) demonstrating knowledge, skills and attitudes appropriate to this level.

Practice Level 1 (Commencing Level for Common Foundation): I have practiced, with constant supervision, in the delivery of essential

care to develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes required to achieve my practice outcomes.

(Replaces: Helper, Supervised / Participant and Assistant).

Triennial Review (p.8) includes: To be maintained on the local register the

individual must have evidence of having: Mentored at least two students with due regard

within the three year period. Participated in annual updating: this will be

recorded on the Triennial Review Documentation Sheet.

Explored the validity and reliability of judgements made when assessing practice.

Mapped ongoing development in their role against current NMC mentor standards – linked into the NHS Knowledge and Skills Framework.

Disability Equality Training for Mentors (N.M.C., 2006, p.11).

The NMC recognises the importance of supporting students to achieve their full potential both in practice and academic learning environments.

The NMC advises that all mentors should receive disability equality training.

Practice and academic settings should enable students to be confident that disclosure of their specific needs will not lead to discrimination.

Disability Equality Training for Mentors (N.M.C., 2006). Consideration should be given to allocating

time for mentors to meet the special needs of students with disabilities.

The University of Nottingham Disability Policy Advisory Unit –

www.nottingham.ac.uk/disability for further information on what our students can expect and how the University of Nottingham meets the needs of our students.

Please contact your local Disability Liaison Officer, School of Nursing for advice.

Mentor Resources. Mentor Bulletins (every two months). Mentor / PLT Newsletter (bi-annually). Mentor Work Book. Mentor e-learning programme.

Face to face Mentor Updates: Lecturer, Mentor Support Practitioner, P.L.T. Academic Representative.

Mentorship. Mentor Database: Record of all mentors, initial mentor training

and last update = N.M.C. requirement. List reviewed and updated at P.L.T. meetings:

new record sheet. If you need to check your status contact your

local Practice Learning Unit.

Annual Mentor Updates: Face to Face, Work Book, e-learning programme.

Ongoing Mentor Support: Visit the Mentor Website: www.nottingham.ac.uk/nursing Click: Practice learning,

Click: Mentor = Mentor Preparation, Mentor Handbook, New Standards (including Mentor Bulletins), Mentor Update Information, Mentor Newsletters, Mentor Resources. Any Questions?