Developing a Culture of Caring and Support Through a Peer Mentorship Program

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Student Support Services
• Mentorship Programs

Background:

• Nursing student retention is a key concern for academic leaders.
• Peer mentoring is a potential strategy to improve student success and retention.
• Existing research highlights benefits for both mentors and mentees in mentoring relationships.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of a decade-long peer voluntary mentorship program for nursing students.
• To assess the outcomes for both mentors and mentees within the program.
• To understand the program's contribution to a supportive academic environment.

Main Methods:

• Implementation of a peer voluntary mentorship program coordinated with an academic resource center.
• Training and weekly meetings for participants.
• Selection of senior nursing students as mentors based on academic performance (minimum B+ average) and faculty recommendations.
• Mentors maintained journal logs documenting their experiences and reflections.

Main Results:

• Mentored students reported increased academic success, improved test-taking skills, and better examination performance.
• Mentors experienced enhanced confidence in their skills and felt better prepared for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).
• Mentees developed a natural support network, and mentors showed concern for their mentees' long-term success.

Conclusions:

• The peer mentorship program cultivated a culture of care and support among nursing students.
• The program fostered a reciprocal relationship, encouraging students to give back to future peers.
• The initiative demonstrated the positive impact of structured peer support on nursing student development and retention.