Navigating the peer mentoring journey: Experiences of peer mentors in an undergraduate nursing programme

Higher education institutions recognise the importance of peer mentoring in preparing nursing students to transition from academia into clinical practice. However, there is limited literature from Singapore and culturally comparable Southeast Asian contexts that explores peer mentors' embodied perceptions, as most existing research has predominantly centered on Western setting. Given Singapore's unique multicultural context that differs greatly from the West, it is crucial to investigate peer mentors' experiences in local peer mentoring programmes.

To explore peer mentors' experiences and understand their perceptions of peer mentoring in an undergraduate nursing baccalaureate programme in Singapore.

This study utilised a descriptive qualitative design, collecting data from November 2019 to January 2020. Fifty, second to fourth-year nursing students from a peer mentoring programme in a tertiary institution were recruited using convenience sampling. Face-to-face focused group discussions guided by a semi-structured interview guide were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Written reflections were collected and thematic analysis was utilised. Ethical approval was obtained for the research.

Four overarching themes and sixteen subthemes emerged. The themes were: (1) Self-Discovery: From Vulnerability to Empowerment; (2) Synergistic Growth: Enhancing Clinical Skills and Professional Identity; (3) Fostering Connections: Supporting Growth and Community; and (4) Navigating the Mentoring Landscape: Attitudes, Challenges, and Suggestions. Peer mentors experienced personal and professional growth together with mentees through mentoring interactions and self-reflection. Mentors reported transformative mentoring experiences when they were able to build meaningful connections with their mentees and were motivated intrinsically to strengthen the peer mentoring culture within the nursing faculty.

This study provides insights into the experiences and perceptions of peer mentors in a Singapore undergraduate nursing programme, which aligned with results from existing global studies, despite its diverse and multicultural context. To overcome the challenges experienced by the mentors, support from the faculty, such as the provision of resources and mentor-mentee matching, is essential.

Peer mentoring in undergraduate nursing programmes is crucial for effective mentoring. Institutions should adopt formal mentor-mentee matching to foster meaningful connections. Investigating how mentors integrate their guidance post-graduation can shed light on its positive impact on patient-centred nursing care. Future research should focus on diverse populations and employ longitudinal studies for insights into mentoring evolution and its lasting impacts.