Which statement best describes mentorship?

The statement that best describes mentorship is the one indicating that staff cannot be assigned to become mentors, as this role is voluntarily chosen by the mentor. This highlights the fundamental aspect of mentorship as a relationship based on mutual respect, trust, and personal commitment. Mentorship relies on the mentor's willingness to invest time and effort in guiding the mentee, which makes the voluntary aspect crucial.

When mentors choose to take on this role of their own accord, it ensures that they not only possess the motivation to support the mentor-mentee relationship but also have a genuine interest in the mentee's personal and professional growth. This voluntary nature stands in contrast to more directive relationships like preceptorship, where roles may be assigned and a more structured approach is often taken.

The other options do not capture the essence of mentorship as effectively. For example, while the idea of intensity and duration bearing resemblance in mentorship and preceptorship may hold some truth, it overlooks the nuanced and often lifelong connections that mentorship can foster. Additionally, the belief that "mentees" must abandon their personal goals contradicts the core principle of mentorship, which emphasizes personal development and autonomy. Finally, while it is true that many nurses may have multiple mentor relationships over time, this point does