The contribution Mentors and Preceptors make to peoples’ careers has been recognised by an awards ceremony held by the Trust.
Those present were nominated by the nurses and healthcare care staff they mentor, with moving citations read out about every award nominee.
ESHT Mentors of the Year
The ceremony culminated in the presentation of the following awards by Trust directors:
Best Team Mentor/Supervisor of Learner’s Award to A&E Conquest
Her citation said: “During my 8 weeks in A&E, I can honestly say I have never felt more supported in a clinical placement. I learnt a lot from all the team through their excellent role modelling. Overall, an outstanding team.”
Best Innovation to Learning Award to Tracey Peters, Mouth Care Matters Lead, Conquest
Her nomination read: “Tracey has developed and implemented a new role called Mouth Care Matter to improve the provision of oral care. She has designed and rolled out training to different disciplines embedding the principles of mouth care and is a point of reference for advice and support.”
Best Preceptor Award to Samantha March, Practice Development Nurse at A&E Conquest
Her citation said: “Sam enabled me to build my confidence as she supported learning by providing me with reflective opportunities and continuously supported my development.”
Best Supervisor/Learner’s Support for AHPs and Scientist’s Award to Lynn Leppard, Occupational Therapist, Bexhill Hospital
Her nomination said: “Lynn is a perfect role model. She is always approachable, professional and cheerful. Her open, honest leadership style inspires trust in her staff resulting in a relaxed working environment and increased confidence to do our jobs.”
Best Mentor for Nursing and Midwifery Awards to Alex Russell, Community Staff Nurse Her citation said: “Alex is a brilliant teacher and communicator; she encouraged me to try many new things, she offered me lots of advice in relation to my academic work and has made me believe that I can be an excellent staff nurse in the future.”
At the event, Adrian Bull, Chief Executive ESHT said: “I would like to congratulate all the nominees and winners at our Mentor of the Year Awards. Mentors play such an important role in the education and development of their mentees. The contribution they make to someone’s development is incalculable. We need good mentors to provide a positive environment to inspire, motivate and enthuses people at the start the start of their professional career, helping to shape them as they develop and learn.”