Mentor_Essay

Role of the Mentor The purpose of this essay is to look at and discuss the role of the mentor in relation to the four learning outcomes. The four learning outcomes are, responsibility of self in relation to self and professional agenda, managing the learning environment, assessment and facilitating learning. The word mentor comes from Greek mythology and has been adopted in English as a term meaning father like teacher. The more modern use of the word mentor can be interpreted as a trusted friend, counselor or teacher. Usually a more experienced person who provides expertise to less experienced individuals to help them advance their careers and enhance their education (thefreedictionary). The Nursing and Midwifery council’s code of professional conduct (2004) states that as a registered practitioner a nurse has a duty to facilitate students to develop their competence. The Nursing and Midwifery council (2006) outlines 8 areas of competency that a mentor must achieve in order to fulfil their role to an adequate standard. These are: Establishing effective working relationships, Facilitation of learning, Assessment and accountability, Evaluation of learning, creating an environment for learning, Context of practice, Evidence-based practice and Leadership. Some of these competencies can be relevant within the four learning outcomes outlined in this essay. Responsibility of Self in Relation to Self and Professional Agenda 　 A mentor can be referred to as a role model, a guide, a tutor, a coach and a confident. According to Girard (2006) all nurses become role models whether we intend to or not. Some believe mentoring is a process in which one person is responsible for overseeing the career and development of another person (Clutterbuck, 1991). For many students, clinical placements are their first taste of nursing in practice, and where they learn the hands on skills. Mentors are the key to the success of these placements. (Taylor, 2008). However poor mentorship means that students lack role models. Most people come into nursing because they want to nurse so the placement environment is most important to them. So having a good mentor and role model is important.