Empowering Future Nurses: Implementing Peer-Assisted Leadership Development in Nursing Education

DOI: https://doie.org/10.65985/JBSE.2026192925

K. Mythili, Dr. K. Narayanasamy, Dr. Kavinmozhi James, K. A. Florence Nightingale

Keywords:

Nursing education, leadership development, peer-assisted learning, transformational leadership, undergraduate nursing, experiential learning

Abstract:

Background: Leadership is a critical competency in nursing practice, yet undergraduate nursing curricula often lack structured opportunities for leadership development. Peer-assisted learning presents a promising strategy to foster transformational leadership qualities in a collaborative and reflective environment. Objectives: To design, implement, and evaluate a peer-assisted leadership training module within undergraduate nursing education and assess its impact on students’ leadership confidence and competencies. Methods: A mixed-methods study was conducted at Panimalar College of Nursing, Chennai, involving undergraduate nursing students from Years I to IV. A needs assessment using a 5-point Likert scale identified gaps in current leadership training. Based on the findings, the PEARL (Peer Assisted Leadership) module was developed and validated. The module was implemented for a randomly selected cohort of 92 final year students. Faculty and student evaluations were conducted using structured feedback tools and self-confidence ratings. Results: Students reported limited exposure to leadership training and expressed strong interest in peer-based learning. Post-intervention analysis showed significant improvement in leadership confidence and satisfaction with the module. Faculty evaluations also indicated high confidence and readiness to facilitate the training. Overall feedback suggested that the module was engaging, practical, and well aligned with real-world nursing needs. Conclusion: Peer-assisted leadership training is an effective and scalable approach to enhance leadership development in undergraduate nursing education. The PEARL module supports experiential learning and prepares nursing students to take on leadership roles with greater confidence, empathy, and collaboration.

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