Coaching and mentoring is the fifth of six CE articles related to the 1994 clinical practice and management awards, a joint initiative between the royal college of nursing, Smith & Nephew medical limited and nursing standard. Participants completing the assessment have the option of forwarding the answer sheet in the conventional way by May 4 (with the usual fee) or entering the awards and retaining their answer sheet in accordance with the instructions on pages 104 and 111 (in which case, assessment is free). Further details and a list of dates to note are shown opposite

Aim and intended learning outcomes

The aim of this article is to help the reader to understand the principles of mentorship as a process which can facilitate personal support and role development.