Peer-to-Peer mentorship in nursing school

[PhillyKidRN]

Hi all,

This is my first post but I am curious to see the input I may get from this. I recently graduated nursing school (May 2006). As a senior, I was a coordinator of the Student Nurse Mentorship Program at my college (Youngstown State University). Myself and one of my instructors decided at the end of the year to publish a follow-up publication on the program in IMPRINT (NSNA Journal). The original article appeared in the Nov/Dec 2005 issue of IMPRINT. What we developed at our university was a program which 1. paired upperclass students with underclassmen, and 2. developed monthly meetings where we had a topic (for example Learning to Interview) which was discussed in depth and we had guest speakers from the community and instructors were there in an informal manner to offer support to students. The biggest focus on our program is that is is run entirely by STUDENTS. Faculty are available for support only. They do not run the program.

My questions to everyone.... Do you have a peer-to-peer mentoring program established in your nursing program?

If not, would you be interested in starting a program? Would you consider networking with other universities using the same model?

Any other comments/feedback??? I'm looking to see what is out there. From my extensive lit. review, the Youngstown STate program is the only one of its kind. My instructors and I are interested in communicating with other students and faculty from other universities to start a networking process and expand this mentorship program. Thanks all!

[shock-me-sane]

my program does not have one. but i would LOVE to start one.

[suzy253, RN]

I just graduated a 3-year diploma program and during our 2nd year we had a peer-to-peer mentorship program called 'big brothers/big sisters' where we were paired with an incoming 1st year freshman. It was a great program, especially appreciated by the freshmen b/c they were so scared and overwhelmed. It helped them get settled in and see that others have been through it and survived! (mostly)

[rninme]

Diploma grad here too. We also had a big brother/big sister program. 1st day of orientation we were introduced to each other. I think that most diploma programs use this format for mentoring. It works well!!

[Montessori Mommy]

What a great idea!! I suggested this at my school, and never even received a reply from the administration.

Since then, I've informally mentored a few incoming students who I met during pre-reqs. I figured it would be nice to give them the emotional support we need during nursing school, and to answer all of their questions.

Beth

[BoonersmomRN]

At my school each class has a class mentor. I was the Fundamentals class mentor and probably will be the 2nd semester one as well.

The Fundamentals class mentor helps people IN Fundamentals. The other class levels help students IN their level AND below their level.

Our names, class schedule, email are posted on a mentor board. We have bi-monthly meetings.

I will be speaking to the incoming Fudamentals class on Aug 24th. I have a LOT to talk about! Especially " the tests are different than what you are used to". THAT I had heard about but was never given ANY kind of idea as to WHAT THAT MEANT! lol

So, that's on my list of to-talk about things!

[daisylizzydog]

I am currently attending a Assoc Degree Nursing Program at my local college and last semester they started a mentor program last semester. Last semester is was rolled out for 1st semester student nurses teamed up with 5th and 6th semester student nurses. It went over very well and this semester it is now a requirment and 1, 2, and 3 will be teamed up with 4, 5, and 6 students. Good Program!!!!

[marilynmom, LPN, NP]

We have a mentoring program at my school. When we had our orientation back in May we all signed up for a "senior buddy" who later on this summer emailed or called us. I love it!

I have been able to ask all sorts of questions specific to my school which has just been great. Kinda takes some of the nervous edge off I think, at least I have some sort of clue what to expect.