The nurse serving as a mentor documents the following information in a mentoring log:

Question

Mentee: Sandra Martin, RN: During last shift Sandra questioned her ability to meet goals negotiated several weeks ago. Discussed clarifying the goals strategies to achieve them. Shared personal experiences with achieving goals and efforts taken to be successful.
In which mentoring phase is the nurse when mentoring this new employee?
1. Preceptor phase
2. Invitational phase
3. Questioning phase
4. Transitional phase

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 3

In the invitational phase the mentor must be willing to use time and energy to nurture an individual (mentee) who is goal directed, willing to learn, and respectfully trusting of the mentor. The nurse-mentor invites the mentee to share knowledge, skill, and personal experiences of professional growth. In the questioning phase the nurse-mentee experiences self-doubt and fear of being unable to meet the goals. The mentor helps the mentee clarify goals and the strategies for achieving them, shares personal experiences, and serves as a sounding board and a source of support during times of doubt. In the transitional phase the mentor assists the mentee to become aware of the mentee's own strengths and uniqueness. The mentee now is able to mentor someone else. Preceptor is not a phase of the mentoring process, but rather a role in which a nurse helps to orient a new graduate or new employee to a care area.