Dear Nursing Students,

Welcome back! We hope that you had a nice break and are excited for the new term. As we start our new school year. We are excited to announce that the applications for the Skills Peer Mentor program for Fall 2026 are now open. The program was created in response to student feedback, recognizing a strong need for additional support in the skills lab. By pairing upper-year nursing students with students in Nursing Skills 1–4, we aim to reduce stress, boost confidence, and foster a collaborative and supportive learning environment.

What is the Skills Peer Mentorship Program? The Skills Peer Mentorship Program supports students currently taking any of the Nursing Skills courses (Skills 1–4). Mentors will assist students during open labs on Mondays and during scheduled skills classes by offering guidance, answering questions, and modeling safe skills practice. The goal is to help fellow students build confidence and competence in essential nursing procedures.

Why Should You Become a Skills Peer Mentor? Mentors play an important role in shaping the academic journey of their peers. As a mentor, you’ll also enjoy several benefits, including: • Experiential learning credit from the College of Nursing and the University of Manitoba student body • A strong addition to your CV/resume • The fulfillment of helping others succeed • Opportunities to enhance your communication, leadership, and teaching skills • Connections with other students and faculty across all levels of the nursing program • The chance to be a positive role model and make a meaningful difference

What Will Be Expected of Me as a Mentor? As a skills mentor, you will be expected to: • Attend and support open lab sessions and designated skills classes • Observe and provide constructive feedback on technical skills and procedures • Assist and demonstrate skills when needed • Answer questions to the best of your ability and clarify information when necessary • Encourage accurate use of clinical language and terminology • Promote a safe, inclusive, and encouraging learning environment

Who Can Apply? To be eligible, you must: • Be in 3rd year (Term 2) or 4th year of the nursing program • Have a minimum GPA of 3.0 • Have no failing grades in any previous nursing skills courses • Submit a letter of recommendation from a faculty member (e.g., professor, CEF, or skills instructor)     (A template for the recommendation letter is included in the application form)

How Do I Apply? Complete your application by submitting your letter of recommendation through the following Google Form and also filling out the necessary information indicated in the form:

Apply Here – Skills Peer Mentorship Program https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScdz3wCvjjQgGx3SSdUAxUT5RhWwBVzqqEI...

Application Deadline: September 18, 2026 by 11:59 PM After applications close, selected applicants will receive follow-up instructions by email.

Questions? We’re happy to help! Feel free to contact any of the NSA Skills Mentorship Committee members:

* Maria – doriamd@myumanitoba.camailto:doriamd@myumanitoba.ca * Esther - onichami@myumanitoba.camailto:onichami@myumanitoba.ca

Thank you for your interest in supporting your fellow students and strengthening our nursing community. We look forward to receiving your application.

Warm regards, NSA Skills Mentorship Committee College of Nursing, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences University of Manitoba