A nurse is engaged as a mentor for a new graduate nurse. Which of the following actions by the mentor is characteristic of the role of a coach?

The role of a coach in a mentoring relationship primarily revolves around enhancing the skills and knowledge of the protégé through feedback and guidance. By sharing ideas and providing constructive feedback, the mentor helps the new graduate nurse reflect on their practice, understand concepts, and develop critical thinking skills. This is crucial in a nursing context, where clinical judgment and decision-making are vital.

Providing feedback not only aids in skill development but also fosters a supportive environment where the mentee feels encouraged to ask questions, seek clarification, and improve their practice. This approach aligns with the coaching role, which emphasizes the importance of open communication and active engagement in the learning process, enabling the new nurse to grow both personally and professionally.

In contrast, the other options focus on different aspects of mentorship or support that may not specifically fall under the coaching role. For instance, expanding a network of contacts is more about professional development and networking than direct coaching. Providing support on personal issues may relate to general mentorship and emotional support rather than skill enhancement through feedback. Assigning clinical tasks may involve delegation or supervision rather than the coaching aspect, which is centered on nurturing the protégé's abilities through dialogue and evaluation.