Online Mentor Update

If you let your PLT tutor have the induction pack electronically we can put it on the web against your placement details. When students are told where they are being allocated for their placement, they can then download your placement information and any packs or information before they come to your area.

No. Students should not be using their mobile phones for calling or texting when on duty. It is unprofessional behaviour and as such contravenes the student code of conduct which can be seen in full on page 59 of the Mentor's Handbook (2008) or on the Mentors web pages via the School of Nursing website. If this causes issues with a student during their placement, please record this on their record of professional progress in the OAR document at the end of their placement.

The local mentor registers are held by various agencies. Please see the contacts list and contact them directly. In some areas your manager may have access to the register details too.

The NMC states that the student must spend a minimum of 40% of their time on placement with their mentor or associate/secondary mentor so they do not need to spend all of their time with you. The testimony of others can and should be used when assessing the student. Many opportunities exist for the student to work with others whilst on placement. These should be utilised so that it helps to meet the student's learning needs/outcomes/proficiencies.

In the Assessment of Practice records and portfolio guidelines we state that this is acceptable as long as they are anonymised. No evidence should identify clients.

This would be good practice as it clearly shows that you have examined the evidence which your student has presented. If you look at the student's evidence on a regular basis, it also makes it easier to manage rather than leaving it until the end of the placement. It also helps the students when they complete their portfolio assignments in their second and third years and need to provide signed evidence.

You should initially speak to the student about your observation and concerns. Try to resolve the matter by arranging a progress review or meeting. You should seek support from your PLT representative at this stage. Provide clear and detailed feedback so that the student knows what areas require improvement. Encourage the student to evaluate their performance as they may be aware of those areas which need to be improved. Jointly draw up an action plan that will provide learning opportunities to enable the student to learn and improve. Ensure that your student is given appropriate support and supervision and arrange to review after 1-2 weeks. If this action does not rectify the problem or you are a relatively inexperienced mentor you can seek support and advice from your PLT practice rep, PLT educational rep, personal tutor or Practice Support Teacher.

The maximum time a student can miss in clinical practice is 15 days for the whole 3 years. Then they MUST negotiate with their personal tutor when time will be made up. It is acceptable and appropriate for the mentor to sign that the objectives were not achieved due to no opportunity due to the length of sickness. The student must then achieve it on the next placement. As the mentor you would also document in their OAR that the student cannot meet the specific outcomes due to time off sick.

Attempt to resolve the matter with the student by encouraging them to "self assess". Consider whether your judgement has been made fairly and without bias. What evidence do you have to confirm your judgement? Seek guidance from colleagues/PLT. If this does not lead to resolution, contact your PLT educational link tutor and personal tutor.

Yes they are, as a placement that accepts nursing students your manager should be aware of the NMC requirements to provide up to date mentors for the students, which include performing a triennial review.