Exploring the Feasibility, Acceptability and Satisfaction of a Virtual Peer Mentoring Program for Undergraduate Nursing Students: A Mixed-Methods Study

University of Western Ontario and Society for Teaching and Learning in Higher Education. Mills Memorial Library Room 504, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L6, Canada. Tel: 905-525-9140; e-mail: info@cjsotl-rcacea.ca; Web site: http://www.cjsotl-rcacea.ca/

Y

21

Mentors; Electronic Learning; Undergraduate Students; Nursing Education; Alumni; Program Effectiveness; Program Implementation; Interpersonal Relationship; Orientation; Well Being; Telecommunications; Foreign Countries; College Seniors

1918-2902

Final-year nursing students are known to face high levels of stress due to increased demands in academics and clinical practicum. In this study, a virtual peer mentoring program was pilot-tested, involving alumni as mentors. Using a mixed-methods approach, we sought to describe the acceptability, feasibility and satisfaction associated with the intervention. Study intervention involved: (a) orientation, (b) mindful self-compassion training workshop, and (c) virtual mentorship interactions for nine months. Evaluation of study variables was done at the completion of training and at the end of the virtual peer mentoring program via self-reported questionnaires and interviews. The current virtual peer mentoring intervention was deemed acceptable, feasible and satisfactory to mitigate challenges for final-year nursing students. The virtual component of the study was considered to be convenient and appropriate, however, future mentoring interventions could be more effective by employing a form of mixed-contact involving both virtual and in-person interactions.

As Provided

2024

EJ1410277