Development of Nurse Self-Concept in Nursing Students: The Effects of a Peer-Mentoring Experience.
BACKGROUND
Positive nurse self-concept has been shown to increase job productivity, retention, and job satisfaction. Student participation in peer-mentoring experiences has been shown to increase self-confidence and understanding of the role of the nurse leader.


METHODS
The Nurse Self-Concept Questionnaire (NSCQ) was used to measure the nurse self-concept of senior baccalaureate nursing students before and after completion of a peer-mentoring experience.


RESULTS
Female students scored significantly higher on two subscales of the NSCQ than male students prior to the peer-mentoring experience. This difference was not seen after the experience. Mean changes in scores on all six dimensions of self-concept measured by the NSCQ were significantly higher after the mentoring experience.


CONCLUSIONS
Further investigation of male students' experiences in clinical settings may be warranted. The experience of mentoring lower-level students offers practice for upper-level nursing students in providing direction, exercising leadership and management skills, and working as a member of the health care team.
Yvonne
Y
Ford
D000328:Adult; D004508:Education, Nursing, Baccalaureate; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008611:Mentors; D010379:Peer Group; D012649:Self Concept; D013338:Students, Nursing / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires