College of NursingStudent Resources and SupportPeer Mentoring Program

Peer Mentoring Program

What is the peer mentor program?

The peer mentoring program at WSU College of Nursing is designed to support pre-licensure BSN (PL-BSN) students by fostering connections between different student cohorts.

A peer mentor coordinator matches PL-BSN students at each campus. Incoming J1 students and current J2 students may apply to be a peer mentee, and are then matched with a peer mentor from a farther cohort. Students may keep the same mentor/mentee pairings throughout their time in the program, or may request to meet someone new after each semester. As mentees move cohorts into J2 and beyond, they are able to pay it back and become mentors as well!

What are the benefits?

  • Provides mentees with a resource for guidance and support, increasing the likelihood of remaining in the program.
  • Mentors serve as role models for success strategies, professionalism, and balancing school and life responsibilities.
  • Establishes professional connections which facilitates a positive learning environment while in school, which may extend after graduation.
  • Provides a safe place for mentees to ask questions about the nursing program, course work, program expectations, policies, and success strategies.
  • Creates a welcoming environment for mentees who are new to the area or WSU.
  • Graduating peer mentors receive a special graduation cord and may use the peer mentor coordinator for a positive letter of reference.

How do I sign up?

Applications to become a peer mentor/mentee will be open sometime the week before school starts through the end of the first week. The goal is to match everyone by midway of week two of the semester so that they can begin the mentorship connection.

Complete the Interest Form

While applications officially close the second week of each semester, please email the peer mentor coordinator (their info is on the right hand side of this page) if you would still like to become a peer mentee! We do not want to miss anyone who would like to join this program, and often have a few extra mentors that would love to be matched.

Current Mentor Resources:

Nursing students studying at a table.

Benefits of peer mentorship

I was fortunate to have an S1 peer mentor as a J1 and it was extremely helpful in feeling more comfortable and confident with the program. I also really enjoyed becoming friends with my peer mentor and would like to do that with a mentee!

Peer mentee

WSU gave me hope by giving me a seat in the program and preparing me for a bright future. I want to spread that hope to as many nursing students as possible by helping them succeed.

Peer mentor

I enjoyed being paired with a peer mentor as it made the transition to the stress of nursing school a little less overwhelming. Talking to someone who has been in your shoes is so helpful, and helping others adjust to nursing school is why I decided to become a peer mentor myself.

Peer mentee

I wanted to meet new students and share what helped me through my first semester/year.

Peer mentor