Enabling Success in Nursing School: Description of an Innovative Student-Led Program.

Abstract

Nursing student attrition rates are high in BSN programs. Peer support programs can address challenges associated with attrition. This article describes a student-led program created to address the needs of first- and second-year nursing students. The program combined mentorship with quarterly academic workshops that focused on common challenges among nursing students. Following the program, students reported increased academic confidence, enhanced preparedness for nursing courses, improved sense of community, and decreased self-reported anxiety related to nursing school. Student-led programs are feasible means to creating prepared, resourceful, confident, and successful nursing students.