In late 2003, the regional campus of the University
of South Australia initiated a peer-mentoring
program aimed at assisting the smooth transition of
new students to university life. In particular, the
Nursing and Rural Health unit envisaged a program
that would be effective and rewarding for both
student mentees and mentors. This paper presents
an analysis of the peer-mentoring program initiated.
It begins by discussing the concept of mentoring
and the advantages and disadvantages of peermentoring
programs in educational institutions. It
then introduces the program, describes how it was
conceptualised, implemented and strengthened and
how the program developed into a unique ‘pop-up’
model of mentoring that fitted the needs of mentees
and mentors. The paper evaluates the experiences
of mentees and mentors and concludes with some
suggestions for improving the program, which
others may learn from.
Key words: nursing education, first year academic
experience, nursing students’ transition to
university, peer-mentoring, mentee-mentor
relationship.
