Autumn 2017 areas who had 0-1 sign off mentor, amber/orange
The competency form is completed and signed off
for a non-urgent risk and green for no perceived
by the trainee and the supervising sign off mentor
risk). The criterion reviewed was for the skill mix
who then return a copy to the PLF who then
of mentor and sign off mentor. Areas that were
enters their qualification on to the local mentor
deemed to be at risk of not having a sufficient
register.
number of sign off mentors were targeted. The SOM must meet set criteria which includes:
The Trust supported 38 staff to participate in this
training during May and June 17.
Currency and capability in the field of practice the student is being assessed in
Has a working knowledge of the students
Next Steps
program
There are 98 registered staff enrolled on the
and
practice
assessment
requirements
current supporting and assessing learners in
Has an in-depth understanding of their
practice (SLAiP) course, which is provided by the
accountability
local universities and is accredited by the NMC.
to
the
NMC
for
their
assessment decisions
This course enables staff to develop their
Sign off mentors are required to spend one
knowledge and skill in supporting individuals who
hour of protected time with each final
are on a pre-registration course for nursing or
placement student to give feedback and
midwifery. Next year the PLF team will look to
facilitate learning ( NMC, 2008)
support these staff develop further to attain SOM status.
The training is delivered in two hours block sessions across the acute and community
References
settings in the Trust.
Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), 2008. Supporting and Assessing Leaners in Practice. London: NMC.
The training is facilitated by the PLF’s and is structured around the approved sign off mentor workbook. The group work through two scenarios. The PLF details issues that the SOM may encounter working with a student. This work is transcribed in to the work book using a reflective model (examples are provided in the work book). The final stage of the training includes working collaboratively with a student and SOM to participate in a live situation; this could be any of the interviews that are required to take place within the students practice placement time.
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