Student Peer Mentorship in Prelicensure Nursing Programs: A Scoping Review

Abstract

A scoping review was undertaken to inform the development of a peer mentoring program in the nursing faculty of an official-language francophone minority post-secondary institution in Western Canada. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with mentorship coordinators in seven undergraduate nursing programs across Canada. The results of the semi-structured interviews were used to corroborate the information gathered during the scoping review.

Analysis of the scoping review showed that the mentoring programs were designed based on a perceived need expressed by faculty and students. All programs involved a multi-stage implementation and evaluation process. Many articles focused on the benefits of implementing mentoring programs based on the mentees’ and mentors’ perspectives. The scoping review revealed that, in general, the mentoring program reduced mentees’ stress and anxiety, that they felt guided and supported, and that they experienced a sense of well-being in the presence of their mentors; they also found that mentees thought they performed better academically. Several authors found that mentors participating in the mentoring program improved and developed their leadership and communication skills, sense of well-being, and self-confidence. The semi-structured interviews with mentoring coordinators corroborate these findings. This examination revealed that nursing students—mentors and mentees—generally found the peer mentoring program beneficial and that their participation enhanced their learning abilities and individual development. Recommendations include proper orientation for mentors and mentees, including role expectations and clarity. The selection process and pairing of mentors and mentees is essential, and the dyads need to be compatible for the program's success. Open communication between all parties involved and a feedback system must be implemented and encouraged for improvement.