Abstract

This article outlines the key concepts that underpin mentorship. In healthcare, the term mentorship can be used to describe a relationship in which the mentor formally monitors and assesses the skill development of the person being mentored. It can also be used to describe a less formal relationship in which an older and more experienced colleague acts as a guide to someone less experienced. Whatever the relationship, there are some underpinning principles that are explored in this paper. The roles of the mentor are considered, as are the ways in which the skill development is monitored. The emotional labour that is involved in healthcare work is explored and the ways in which the mentor can support the student are outlined. A large element in any healthcare situation is the ways in which an individual ‘fits into’ the workplace. The concept of ‘communities of practice’ is considered and the role of the mentor in this context is explored.