Benefits of Peer Mentoring in Prelicensure Nursing Education: A Dual Perspective

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.