Implementation of a Peer Mentoring Program in an Associate Degree Nursing Program

Charlene C. Hopkins, MSN, RN, CNE

Western Technical College

Background
There is a high rate of attrition in nursing programs, especially in the first semester.

Significance
Increasing retention of nursing students is one strategy to alleviate an estimated 20% shortage of working nurses by 2020 (Stickney, 2005). Peer mentoring is one documented strategy to reduce attrition in nursing programs, increase retention to graduation, and increase student satisfaction.

Purpose/objective
The purpose of the newly developed Western Technical College (WTC) Student Ambassador Program (SAP)is to identify strategies to increase understanding of the rigors of the nursing program, increase retention to graduation, and promote student satisfaction.

Methods/project
A review of the relevant literature from 2003-2013 was conducted using the electronic databases CINAHL and ProQuest. Using Survey Gold, mentees were surveyed after their first semester in the WTC nursing program to determine their level of satisfaction with the peer mentorship program (SAP). Success rates for first semester students in Pharmacology were compared, before and after implementation of the Student Ambassador Program.

Results
Of the newly admitted students to the WTC nursing program, 76.1% of respondents indicated that they found the SAP to be beneficial to their success and satisfaction in their first semester in the program. Comparison success rates for first semester Pharmacology were 68.6% prior to implementation of the SAP and 87.2% after one semester of the SAP at Western Technical College.

Clinical implications
Peer mentoring of newly admitted nursing students may increase student success in "killer courses" and increase student satisfaction with the nursing program. Future research is needed to determine students' retention to graduation and continued perceived satisfaction.