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

Background: Academic leaders are concerned about the retention rate of nursing students; peer mentoring may be one strategy for student success. Research studies on mentoring indicate the benefits of mentoring accrue for both mentors and mentees. Method: A peer voluntary mentorship program operated in coordination with an academic resource center for a decade. It included training and weekly meetings. Mentors were senior nursing students who had a minimum B + average and faculty recommendations. All mentors kept journal logs of their time and reflections of their experience. Results: Journal statements revealed that mentored nursing students felt more successful in their coursework, gained test-taking skills, and did better on examinations. Mentors gained confidence about their skills and were better prepared for the NCLEX. Mentees formed a natural support group. Mentors expressed concern about their students' success beyond the program. Conclusion: This program generated a culture of caring and support to the nursing students, with the understanding that they would give back to others what they had received. J Nurs Educ. 2018;57(7):430–435.