Mentor Update 2007/8

Update format Aims and objectives for this update Suffolk College and NMC standard changes Discussion points Questions and answer session

Update Aim: To familiarise mentors to current changes both within Suffolk College and NMC standards To facilitate critical debate on the key issues encountered when supporting student learning in practice

Update Objectives: At the end of the session you will be able to: Explain the new NMC standards to support learning and assessment in practice Analyse the role of ‘mentor’ in supporting learning in practice Propose strategies to assist learners in practice

Changes within Suffolk College Higher Education and Further Education split Higher Education moves to University Campus Suffolk (UCS) Further Education provided by Suffolk New College Affiliated to both the University of East Anglia and University of Essex Development of education quarter in Ipswich centring on the water front

NMC Standards to support learning and assessment in practice (2006) Published in October 2006 Provides a 4 stage development framework for all roles within nursing education Stage 1: All registrants (Associate mentor) Stage 2: Mentor Stage 3: Practice Teacher Stage 4: Teacher (lecturer)

New developments Placement providers now responsible for maintaining mentor register Mentors MUST attend annual mentor updates to stay current on the mentor register Placement providers must review mentors, sign off mentors and practice teachers mentorship practice every 3 years (triennial review)

Normally should not have more than 3 students, from any discipline, at any one time When giving direct care you must supervise your student (direct or indirect) for a minimum of 40% of the student’s time In addition, sign off mentors during the final placement, must have 1 hour per week protected time to meet with their student Introduction of student passports

Triennial Review Requirements You must have mentored a minimum of 2 students in 3 years (Practice Teachers, 1 student) Must have attended an annual update Had the opportunity to meet other mentors to discuss issues of accountability, assessment and challenges of judging competence (incorporated in to annual updates) Must map & provide evidence of your ongoing development in your role against the current NMC standards Have met all the requirements to remain on the local register as a mentor, sign off mentor or practice teacher

Recurrent Issues Grading student competence Supporting under-achieving students Supporting students with difficulties Enhancing quality of mentorship

Discussion Points (Workshop Activities) Divide into four groups and review your given scenario Debate the issues within your group remember to consider: mentor accountability, reliability, validity and objectivity of assessment etc Nominate a spokesperson to feedback to the whole group

Helpful Resources Suffolk College mentor website: provides guidance on grading, completing the PA document and much, much more! ( this website is no longer available. Go instead to find the faculty of health, wellbeing and science pages and clink on the link to ‘Health Partners’ Clinical Practice Facilitators Link Lecturers – list available on website NMC (2006): Standards to support learning and assessment in practice. NMC, London.