What influences mentors to pass or fail students.

The aim of the study was to establish mentorship practice in relation to the University of the West of Scotland pre-registration nursing students. Surveys were sent to 4,341 mentors, with a 41 per cent response rate. Results show that 18 per cent of participants had passed a failing student. A number of factors influenced mentors' decisions, which to some extent echo findings from previous research. However, this study provides new perspectives on failing to fail and considers the supportive role of universities in relation to mentors and students' practice placements. The knowledge derived from this study will help inform mentoring and mentorship practice to ensure only safe and competent practitioners gain entry to the register.