Frequently asked questions
What is involved in becoming a placement provider and how long will this take?
- An initial visit – to discuss learning opportunities and development needs of mentors
- The development of a practice placement profile for your placement area
- Completion of a learning environment audit
- The setting up can take from a few weeks up to six months.
How long are students placements and when will I know that a student will be coming on placement?
- Placements are between 6-14 weeks. You will be notified well in advance of a student commencing their placement with you (e.g. six weeks prior to placement start)
What is the mentor’s role in supporting students?
- Mentors are accountable for planning, coordinating and assessing students’ learning
- Mentors agree appropriate learning opportunities and facilitate learning experiences so that students may achieve required practice competencies
- The NMC (2008) state at least 40 per cent of student’s time must be spent directly or indirectly supervised by a mentor
- Mentors will participate in an annual mentor update and triennial review to remain on the live mentor register.
How are students prepared?
- Occupational health and Disclosure Barring Service clearance, mandatory training, skills-based training, preparation on professional behaviour
What support will be available?
- Ongoing support will be provided by the University for both student and placement provider (please see contact details)
- Online resources are available from Plymouth University website.