If any Mentor is concerned that the student is not achieving or demonstrating the expecteded level of clinical competence they should discuss this fully with the student outlining the basis for your concern and inviting their comment. Consideration should be given to the more common reasons for an under par performance by the student.
-
Unfamiliarity with the practice environment leading to apprehension and tension.
-
Health problems.
-
Social/emotional problems.
-
Communication, comprehension and inclusion difficulties (often described as 'personality clashes').
If the discussion identifies a health problem that is affecting the students performance, they should be advised to seek medical help. If necessary, they should be sent home until a medical opinion is obtained. Students are responsible for reporting their sickness to UCS.
For other circumstances, the Mentor and Student should work together on a written action plan to address the identified difficulty. Action plans should have clearly identified targets, identified time scales and a set review date. The creation of action plans should be noted in the students practice record. The link lecturer or Clinical Practice Facilitator (if available) can give advice and support in the creation of an action plan. Mentors should ensure that link lecturers or CPF's are involved if it is thought possible that the student will not be considered as 'safe in practice' by the end of their placement.
Back to Communication Process for Mentors|