Strategies: Five mentoring approaches to promote student success have evolved at San Jose State University: 1) In 1999, a cohort of diverse student applicants participated in a 5-week summer transition program. Program outcomes included role clarification, skills development, support system development and academic resource utilization. 2) Formalized student organizations have evolved to promote leadership, collegiality and peer support. 3) Since 1988, a faculty position has evolved into an ongoing student retention program. 4) An informal peer-mentoring network was established to support at risk students. 5) A $100,000 grant was awarded to accelerate RN/LVN-to-BSN completion rates.

Outcomes and Implications: Utilization of these mentoring approaches have resulted in decreased attrition rates, improved NCLEX passing rates, and increased student satisfaction. Twenty-one students entering a nursing program after completion of the summer transition program successfully completed their nursing program and entered into practice. Thirty-eight RN/LVN-to-BSN students were awarded stipends that enabled them to enroll in full-time versus part-time study, resulting in faster degree completion and entry into the workforce. Qualitative student responses indicated increased student satisfaction with their nursing school experience. Additional outcomes of this comprehensive approach to mentoring include the development of a mentorship model, several faculty and student leadership workshops, and curriculum improvement in assessment, planning and evaluation. This highly multiethnic student population has assumed a variety of nursing leadership roles, advanced practice positions and pursued further scholarly endeavors.

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Sigma Theta Tau International
July 21, 2004