Undergraduate Nursing Students' Perceptions of Peer-to-Peer Mentoring

The transition from high school to higher education can be overwhelming for students and even more so for nursing students who are expected to learn nursing knowledge, skills, and dynamics of care as they progress through the program. These concepts are difficult to comprehend, and students may feel intimidated asking for help from their professors because of lack of self-confidence or fear of repercussion. As students navigate nursing school they may benefit from learning in a nonthreatening environment where they feel less anxious and more comfortable asking questions from a peer who has been on the same journey. Reduced anxiety can help to create a more positive learning experience. Peer mentorship provides a supportive environment where less experienced students may feel confident interacting with a student who is more experienced, and in a stress-free context with the added benefit of acquiring a sense of belonging. Peer-to peer mentorship can facilitate such an environment. The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of undergraduate nursing students who participate in a peer-to-peer mentorship program. There is a paucity of studies that explore nursing students’ experiences with peer-to peer mentoring.