Peer to Peer Mentoring: The Impact on Student Nurse Anxiety in the First Clinical Experience
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Authors
O'Shana, Tracia
Date
2026-02
Type
Dissertation
Language
en_US
Keywords
Alternative Title
Impact on Student Nurse Anxiety
Abstract
This mixed-method study examined the impact of peer-to-peer mentoring on anxiety
levels among nursing students during their first clinical education experience and how
students experience anxiety who have peer-to-peer mentoring in the first clinical
education versus those who do not have peer-to-peer mentoring. Student anxiety was
measured using the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale, which captured weekly frequency
ratings from week one through week four of the initial clinical rotation. Quantitative
results demonstrated a consistent trend of decreasing anxiety across the four-week period
for those in the mentored group. To complement these findings, semi-structured
interviews with peer mentors and clinical faculty were conducted to explore perceptions
of student anxiety and beliefs about the influence of peer mentoring. Qualitative analysis
revealed that familiarity with shift routines and opportunities to observe initial client
interactions were believed to have contributed significantly to reduced anxiety levels.
Overall, the findings highlight the potential value of peer-to-peer mentoring in mitigating
anxiety that can otherwise hinder learning during early clinical education experiences.
This study underscores the need for clinical faculty to implement research-based
strategies that support student well-being and enhance clinical learning outcomes. The
results provide a foundation of evidence to support the development of peer-to-peer
mentoring programs within nursing education and other higher education settings.