30 PROFESSIONAL
The many hats of the effective mentor and supervisor
Do you want to be a more effective mentor ? Sarah Weaver examines the evolution of mentoring and supervision , and , crucially , what it can offer us and our colleagues in today ’ s workplaces
Developing the role of the mentor and supervisor has brought well-documented benefi ts over the centuries , and not just in healthcare . One of the most infl uential nurses , Florence Nightingale , promoted a form of mentoring , which focused on the importance of nurturing aspiring trainee nurses during and after the Crimean war . 1
The word mentor is thought to have its origins in Homer ’ s Odyssey , where Mentor was a guardian and advisor . 2 Widely accepted characteristics of mentors include experience , knowledge and the ability to combine the qualities of role model , coach and critical friend , all while practising ethical and holistic care . In Japanese , the word mentor translates as ‘ those that give blessings ’ – a phrase that mirrors Nightingale ’ s original ethos for the role to be pastoral , nurturing and positive . 3 The mentoring relationship can promote ‘ meaningful rewards for both ’, 4 with exchanges of knowledge , up-to-date practice and diversity of background and life experience .
Up to
59 %
of the students have considered leaving their course due to feeling overwhelmed , stressed and unsupported
The role of mentor is ever-more important In today ’ s challenging and rapidly changing workplaces , a multitude of professional attributes , roles and personnel is needed to provide safe and effective nursing care . So , being a successful mentor involves wearing many hats .
Consider this : ‘ Mentors require various personal characteristics , attitudes , values , motivation , involvement , satisfaction , problem-solving abilities and commitment to their work .’ 5 For contemporary mentors , the key skills and attributes include patience , positivity , communication and listening skills , authenticity and enthusiasm .
Danny Walsh , a senior lecturer in nursing and mental health at the University of Lincoln , asserts that it takes dedication and a genuine desire to promote the profession of nursing to be successful in the role of nurse mentor . This is of course especially true during a pandemic . 2
How approaches have evolved The role of the mentor is always evolving , refl ecting signifi cant changes in nurse education over the past 20 years and in the breadth and scope of practice of nurses today . The focus , however , should always be on positivity , compassion , and dedication to the role . 6
ALAMY nursinginpractice . com Winter 2021