summary
Background: The literature related to nursing students' mentorship experiences is surprisingly limited and
research findings related to students' experiences of mentorship is often integrated with other components of
clinical placement experiences.
Objectives: This study aimed to gain a greater understanding of students' expectations and experiences of
mentorship and to identify the kind of support provided by the mentor that is most valued by the student, the
role of the link lecturer inmentorship and howthe university might further enhance the mentorship experience
of their students.
Design: Mixed-methods exploratory sequential design was used.
Setting: This study was conducted in one university in south west London.
Participants: All final year pre-registration nursing students enrolled on a Diploma/BSc in Health Studies course
(n = 129) were invited to participate. Participation was voluntary resulting in a convenience sample. Fiftythree
students completed the questionnaire (response rate= 45%).
Methods: The research involved two stages: a semi-structured focus group in the first stage and an online
questionnaire in the second. Quantitative analysis was undertaken of Likert-style questions using SPSS version
18 and qualitative analysis was undertaken using the Framework Method.
Results: Students' experiences were largely positive. A picture emerged about the most valued mentor activities
which included teaching and explaining, support and supervision and encouragement. Students differentiated
encouragement from what they labelled as support. Contrary to the literature, the mentor role in practice
assessment was not identified as highly important. Support from link lecturers was less well evaluated and
students felt that the university needs to support mentors better.
Conclusion: Students in this university valued the teaching, support and encouragement they received from
mentors but the university needs to address ways of strengthening the link lecturer involvement in mentorship
which includes the imperative for the university to explore ways of better supporting mentors in their role.