NURSING

Clinical Setting Is a Learning Environment Is a Key Role of the Mentor

Clinical Setting Is a Learning Environment Is a Key Role of the Mentor

Introduction

According to research (Darling 1984, Phillips et al, 2000), the key role of a mentor is to ensure that the clinical setting is a learning environment. Under the domain 'creating an environment for learning', the NMC (2006a) indicates that the mentor should be competent in creating an environment for learning, where practise is valued and developed. Moreover, it also lies on the part of the mentor's responsibility to provide appropriate professional and inter-professional learning opportunities and support for learning in order to maximise achievement for individuals. The objective of this is assessment and accountability, and to discuss the teaching practise in this field. The purpose is to provide a healthy learning and teaching environment for students undertaking learning programs in health and social care placement. I will discuss the importance of utilisation of learning pathways, guidelines, policies and standards in the learning environments. Moreover, I will also elaborate on how the ongoing support provided by the mentor may enhance the student development. In this assignment, I will also be discussing my role as a mentor and the importance of the mentor in the clinical setting, along with the significance of responsibility and accountability of being a mentor. I will analyse the strategies, support and assessment process which is utilised in order to facilitate learning, and assist the student in achieving the required learning outcomes.

The concept of competency is fundamental to the autonomy and accountability of health care professionals, and, therefore, to their code of conduct and practise (e.g. NMC, 2007). It enables them to make a judgement about competence/proficiency of NMC students, and others in the same field of practise. They are held accountable for such decisions and judgements. In 2008, the NMC developed a frame work to support learning and assessment in practise. It provides guidelines on how the knowledge and skills of nurses and midwives can be put into practise. This frame work enlists outcomes for mentors and practicing teachers, in order to provide clear accountability in terms of making decisions and registration. These mentorship standards (NMC 2008a) are based on eight domains, and provide a clear outline for the 'mentor role nursing and midwifery education'. These standards are applicable to the mentors that are identified under eight domains. They serve as a guideline for the establishment of effective working relationships, creation of a learning environment, assessment and accountability, evaluation of learning, context of practise, evidence-based practise and leadership. For the purpose of this assignment, I have been allocated a student and my role is that of a mentor. I will share my experience of this role in this assignment. Some of the important factors for performing this job effectively entails that the working relationship between me and the student must be established from the start of the placement. This will help me to understand their needs and requirements, and will give ...