Mentor Update, (2008) – Extended Version.

1. 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).

2. 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).

3. 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

4. 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).

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

12. 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).

13. 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.

14. 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.

15. 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.

16. 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.

17. 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.

18. 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?