1. Produced by: David Kinnell (Lecturer), May 2008. Mentor Update (short version) includes: Student’s Documentation in Practice. Continuity of Practice Assessment Record. Sign-off Mentor as from 2010. Triennial Review.

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. Student’s documentation Clinical Skills Development Pocket Book. Assessment of Practice Record. Student Portfolio. Continuity of Practice Assessment Document.

5. Continuity of Practice Assessment Record – Ongoing Achievement Record. From October 2007 all students will have new practice based documentation that will continue throughout their training. 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. See Mentorship Bulletin 5 (September 2007), and Mentor Newsletter (Autumn, 2007). (See NMC Circular 33/2007).

9. 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) standards of proficiency (Branch) demonstrating knowledge, skills and attitudes appropriate to this Practice 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).

10. Sign-off Mentor (April 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.

11. Triennial Review 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 your 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.

12. Some of the main changes that started in September 2007: Summary. Student’s Documentation in Practice. Continuity of Practice Assessment Record: Ongoing Achievement Record (Initially known as the Student Passport – started 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). Any Questions?