Two lecturers within the Department of Health’s Learning Team have launched their very own book titled ‘Mastering Mentorship: A Practical Guide for Mentors of Nursing, Health and Social Care Students’. The book, published by world renowned Sage, has been written and compiled by Donna Hart and Julie Bailey-McHale to serve as an essential guide for individuals wishing to commence or enhance their mentoring role in any health or social care context.
Minister for Health, David Anderson MHK, said:
'My sincere congratulations go to Donna and Julie on this phenomenal achievement. I believe this speaks very highly of the quality of health and social care teaching we have in the Isle of Man – backed by our recent degree results, the assessment of our Medical Education programme by the Mersey Deanery, and positive comments from one of our academic partners, the Manchester Metropolitan University. The importance of mentorship and supporting the practical application of knowledge and skill should not be underestimated in health and care settings. The staff of the Learning Team, Donna and Julie, and the Masters students who have also been involved in the production of this publication can all take great credit for this success.'
The book introduces and develops concepts of mentoring by focusing on the eight Nursing and Midwifery Council principles for the preparation of training of mentors, such as ‘Establishing effective working relationships’ and ‘Assessment and accountability’. Real-life case studies have been researched and contributed by 24 students studying mentoring as part of their Masters Degree programme with the Department, which is validated by the University of Chester. These demonstrate the diverse challenges and influences of mentoring in practice.
Dr Jacqueline Yates, Head of Learning said:
'The publication of the book represents the culmination of many years of building expertise in the field of mentoring and supporting students in practice. Donna and Julie have worked very effectively together to produce an easily accessible, readable guide, which focuses specifically on eight fundamental aims for the preparation and training of mentors.
'Through their teaching, Donna and Julie share their practices and enthusiasm across the Department as well as with the Learning Team. We are very fortunate to have such inspiring leaders in this field working in the Department.'
The Department will be using the new book as a core text in Higher Education programmes, as will the University of Chester. The concepts, models and practices covered have a very wide application in a broad range of contexts and the guide will be a handy reference work for all those considering or delivering mentorship.
Donna and Julie have exceptional experience in this field through their teaching with the Learning Team and their contributions to the UK debate on mentoring through the Council of Deans of Health, which influences and shapes the agenda for learning and development in health services across the UK.
Donna said:
'Naturally we’re thrilled to have our book published. I think it’s the case studies written by the students that really bring the mentoring experience to life and provide pragmatic guidance on the challenges that mentoring presents.'
Julie added:
'We are grateful to everyone who contributed and supported this project, and in particular Sage Publications for their valuable support throughout the publishing process.'
Working with the Master’s students, Donna and Julie have introduced them to the practices of mentorship as well as to the rigours of writing for publication and research. The publication of their first book has raised the authors’ academic profile and contributed to the growing research profile of the Learning Team, which is an important aspect of the rigorous quality assurance necessary to continue the collaborative educational partnerships with UK universities, such as the University of Chester.
