The Importance of Mentorship Programs in Nursing

Nursing education is, and always will be, a demanding endeavor for the nursing student. The intensity of academic nursing programs often contributes to stress, isolation, and student attrition. With a potential shortfall of at least 1 million nurses by 2030, raising student graduation rates is a critical concern. Peer mentoring creates a caring environment that fosters resilience and well-being and creates an environment for student success. Studies demonstrate that peer mentorships foster educational environments that produce a thriving community of nurses who are confident and competent and bring the vital qualities of empathy and compassion to their work. Students exposed to this support are more likely to matriculate. Moreover, students who graduate with these qualities are committed to staying in the field. This chapter provides a definition of mentoring, including a brief history of the field, and compellingly demonstrates the benefits of and the need for mentorship programs to support the field of nursing today and into the future.