Abstract: Seeks to describe the perceptions and experiences of a sample of nurses working in a critical-care tertiary referral centre in New Zealand, engaged in mentorship of new staff and/or student nurses. Undertakes a descriptive study which identifies four barriers within the critical care environment: the impact that clinical workload has on the provision of mentorship; lack of acknowledgement of the mentorship role; challenge of assessment of new and student nurses; insufficient training and knowledge opportunities for mentors.