This assignment will evaluate and explore the experience of mentoring a student in practice,

critically analysing topics that will reflect on the role of the mentor, within the context of the

nursing profession. The placement area concerned is a 14 bedded acute elderly assessment ward,

which caters for both male and female patients.

Several students have been placed on our ward over the years, it is the mentors responsibility to

provide students with appropriate support, guidance and supervision within the clinical

environment, Myall 2008.

One of the key issues that need to be considered in preparation for an effective learning

environment would be making sure the student is aware of the situations that could arise on the

ward, discussing typical events that could happen on a daily basis. clinical experience can be a

stressful part of the nursing program, working in a unfamiliar area, working with difficult patients

and the fear of making mistakes. Hutchinson (2003) believes that a teacher should aim to provide an

environment in which learners feel safe to experiment, voice their concerns, identify their lack of

knowledge and stretch their limits.

One of the major factors affecting learning is the environment in which it takes place. It is the

responsibility of professional staff to create and develop an environment conductive to learning

(Price, 2004). This implies that the environment should be continually monitored to ensure it

provides appropriate support and experience for students and responds to the changes that take

place. The mentor could undertake this as part of their daily routine prior to the student

commencing their shift, ensuring that the appropriate environment is in place, thus aiding the

teaching process.

When discussing the topics involved within this