Keywords

first-year experience, learning community, mentoring, nursing students, peer mentoring

 

Authors

  1. Miller, Hailey BSN, RN
  2. Bosselait, Lauren MEd
  3. Venturato, Linda RN
  4. Irion, Kendall RN
  5. Schmidt, Nicole RN
  6. DiGeronimo, Jaclyn RN
  7. Pritchard, Tracy PhD

Abstract

Background: College retention rates continue to be a national issue in the United States. Solutions to decrease attrition have not been adequately tested in the nursing student population.

 

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the benefits of a peer-mentoring program in a baccalaureate nursing program from the perspectives of both the mentor and mentee.

 

Methods: Electronic surveys were used to evaluate the impact of a peer-mentoring program.

 

Results: Responses showed the peer-mentoring program to be beneficial academically, personally, and professionally. A large majority (89%-96%) of mentees agreed or strongly agreed with the positive effects of the peer-mentoring program, whereas all of the mentors agreed or strongly agreed with the positive effects.

 

Conclusions: Peer mentoring was found to be advantageous for both the mentees and mentors.