Mercer Times

The College of New Jersey's School of Nursing and Health Sciences, in collaboration with the Division of Inclusive Excellence, has introduced The Mentoring Hub. This initiative aims to provide support, resources, and encouragement for nursing students at the college.

"Fostering mentoring relationships is a fundamental strategy for nurse educators to develop and maintain an inclusive environment that is vital for the retention of diverse students," stated Yolanda Nelson, director of the Mentoring Hub. "The hub assists in building self-confidence, self-awareness, enhancing communication skills, team building, and critical thinking skills of both the mentors and mentees."

Mentors participating in this program include nursing faculty members, professional nurses from the field, and mentors from TCNJ’s Moving Forward Program. This program specifically supports African American nursing students by sharing experiences and offering guidance.

"Nursing students have a variety of questions for their mentors — whether it’s how to study properly, how to stay organized and manage their time, or how to prepare for an exam," Nelson explained. "And sometimes they just want to talk to someone who can understand the levels of stress they are dealing with and offer some words of encouragement."

Rohan Jiandani ’27, a nursing major at TCNJ, described The Mentoring Hub as a valuable resource for making connections while pursuing his career goals in neurology, cardiovascular or neonatal units. "The Hub has provided me with a way to make connections and bond with mentors as well as serving as a mentor for the freshmen nursing majors," he shared. "My mentors have helped so much with my journey from an emotional, professional, and academic standpoint."

In addition to mentorship activities, participants engage in community service projects such as volunteering at the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen and organizing winter hat and glove drives. They also offer workshops on topics like mental health wellness and test-taking strategies.

The Mentoring Hub operates out of Trenton Hall Room 116 on Wednesdays and Fridays from 9 a.m.–3 p.m.