SNA Peer Mentor Program Effectively Supports Student Success

Nursing students laud benefits of the program

The Student Nurses' Association Peer Mentor Program, which was formally established in 2018, is a critical part of the support system for all freshmen and sophomores as they navigate their nursing school journey. This voluntary, student-led program currently includes 84 upper-class mentors who provide their assigned mentees (typically 6-8 students) with support and guidance, both academically and professionally and also serve as student nurse role models. Approximately 600 students are currently supported by this program. According to SNA President Lisa Jacobsen, mentors are competitively selected by a group of their peers via an application and interview process with five Peer Mentor coordinators and Professor Kim Foito, the program’s faculty advisor.

"As a mentee, I’ve received valuable support and encouragement from my mentors who have reached out to me, made themselves available and served as great resources. I’ve benefited immensely from this program through one-on-one talks with my mentors, the helpful advice and study tips I’ve received, and from them sharing their personal experiences," said Frankie Catrone ’24.

Sophomore Lizzy Enke added, "The mentor program helped me get acclimated academically and personally during my freshman year and is continuing to aid me as a sophomore. Thanks to my mentor, I’ve become more comfortable in my study habits, organizational skills, and most importantly, with myself. I’ve also benefited outside the classroom since my mentor encouraged me to get involved in campus life."

The Peer Mentor Program is beneficial not only to SHU’s younger nursing students but to the mentors as well. “As a mentor, I’ve learned a lot about myself including how to put myself out there and help others. I’ve also learned to apply some of my own advice to my mentees, by improving my study habits, practicing self-care and trusting my gut. Most importantly, it's connected me with other students who I now consider good friends," said Alyssa Janak ’22.

For more information, read the DHCON Peer Mentor 2021-2022 Handbook online.

Photo caption: SNA President Lisa Jacobsen talks with Dean Karen Daley at the Center for Healthcare Education.