title: Development and implementation of a peer mentoring program for early career gerontological faculty.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The Hartford Gerontological Nursing Leaders (HGNL) formerly known as the Building Academic Geriatric Nursing Capacity Initiative (BAGNC), in conjunction with the National Hartford Centers of Gerontological Nursing Excellence (NHCGNE), developed and executed a peer mentoring program beginning in 2011 to enhance both (a) the experience of newly selected scholars and fellows to the NHCGNE and (b) the ongoing professional development of HGNL members. The purpose of this article is to describe key strategies used to develop and execute the peer mentoring program and to present formative program evaluation.
  
  
  METHODS
  The program was launched in January 2011 with seven peer mentor and mentee matches. In June 2012, the peer mentoring committee solicited feedback on the development of the peer mentoring program and changes were made for the subsequent cohorts.
  
  
  RESULTS
  An additional 12 matches were made in the following 2 years (2012 and 2013), for a total of 31 matches to date. We have learned several key lessons from our three cohorts regarding how to structure, implement, and carefully evaluate a peer mentoring program.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Informal evaluation of our peer mentoring program noted several challenges for both peer mentors and mentees. Having knowledge of and addressing those challenges may increase the overall quality and effectiveness of peer mentoring programs and, in turn, benefit academic nursing by strengthening the faculty workforce.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Findings from development and implementation of a peer mentoring program for gerontological faculty could lead to new and adaptable programs in a variety of clinical and education settings.
authors: Gamma Zeta, Assistant Professor, School of Nursing, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
authors: Ashley Leak
authors: AL
authors: Bryant
authors: Abraham
authors: A
authors: Aizer Brody
authors: Adriana
authors: A
authors: Perez
authors: Casey
authors: C
authors: Shillam
authors: Linda S
authors: LS
authors: Edelman
authors: Stewart M
authors: SM
authors: Bond
authors: Victoria
authors: V
authors: Foster
authors: Elena O
authors: EO
authors: Siegel
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D004511:Education, Nursing, Graduate / Q000458:organization & administration*; D005180:Faculty, Medical; D005260:Female; D005851:Geriatric Nursing / Q000193:education*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008611:Mentors; D009720:Nurse Clinicians / Q000193:education*; D010379:Peer Group; D015397:Program Evaluation
keywords: Early career faculty; Hartford Gerontological Nursing Leaders; gerontological nursing; mentorship; peer mentoring