title: Socialization of nontraditional nursing students.
abstract: Nurse educators are challenged to meet the needs of nontraditional students in mobility nursing programs. Increasing student diversity and a projected nursing shortage make retention, ensuring student success, and facilitating entrance into the profession the top priorities for educators. The role of peer support in the success of nontraditional students in a mobility program in the Midwest was explored through semistructured interviews with 10 graduates. Participants reported developing collegial relationships with other students; when friendships formed, caring connections, shared learning, and collaboration occurred. Nurse educators can encourage relationship building between students and facilitate shared learning among student groups.
authors.forename: Karen J
authors.initials: KJ
authors.lastname: Fettig
authors.forename: Pamela K
authors.initials: PK
authors.lastname: Friesen
mesh_terms: D003376:Counseling; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D009743:Nursing, Practical; D012951:Socialization; D013338:Students, Nursing