Peer-Mentoring(Students as Peer Mentors in Nurse Training)

There is extensive documentation around the stressful nature of nurse education and the difficulties that students may face in the transition to Higher Education. Peer mentoring is an effective support mechanism and a potential solution for many challenges faced by first year students in Higher Education as it can be shown to enhance retention, promote a sense of belonging and reduce stress levels particularly at key transition points. This paper will explain how peer mentoring has been implemented within Pre-Registration Nurse training. In the project new first year students are supported by a more experienced 2nd year student mentor. The mentor role is to support new students, help orientate them to University life, reduce feelings of isolation and anxiety and to be a positive role model. The paper will explore the main principles of this approach including the successes and challenges. Feedback from both mentors and mentees will be presented. The benefits for the mentor, the mentee and the University will be explored. Finally, some suggestions on the next steps will be suggested which could further strengthen this approach to enhance the student experience.