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 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: 

Some of the main changes that started September  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) : 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 –  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:   Click: Practice learning,  Click: Mentor =  Mentor Preparation,  Mentor Handbook,  New Standards (including Mentor Bulletins),  Mentor Update Information,  Mentor Newsletters,  Mentor Resources.  Any Questions?