Using mentoring circles to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander nursing students: Guidelines for sharing and learning

A mentoring circle is a teaching and learning strategy that has been used to support students in tertiary education. In this study researchers implemented a mentoring circle at a remote James Cook University satellite campus in the Torres Strait. The aim of the study was to foster the emotional and social growth of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander nursing students to improve the students' experience and retention rates. Early results of the study showed mentoring circles support the development of time management, communication skills and self awareness, which students need to work effectively in a university setting. Although this study was conducted within a nursing degree in a Torres Strait Island community, its findings have potential for use in other contexts. In this paper researchers offer guidelines to establish a mentoring circle in a tertiary setting.