USF Nursing Undergraduate Students Create “Stampede Into Bull Nursing” Mentorship Program

University of South Florida College of Nursing undergraduate students created a mentorship program called “Stampede Into Bull Nursing” to help Pre-Nursing students better prepare for USF College of Nursing’s rigorous program. “Stampede Into Bull Nursing” was started by nursing undergraduate student, Kristen Suro, in August 2011, but became an official USF organization in August 2012. The program already has more than 60 members.

“I created this program to provide others with something that I didn’t have – a contact point (someone who is actually a nursing student) to answer all of my questions about what to expect from the program, what nurses actually do in hospital settings, and also to ease some anxiety.” Suro said.

Suro along with three other nursing students including Michelle Russell, Alex Akers, and Summer Abukhodeir serve as mentors into the program. The mentors give students a tremendous insight into USF Nursing and the different opportunities that the College offers.

“We aim to answer all types of questions including how to study for anatomy & physiology, the best way to write an amazing College of Nursing application essay, getting plugged into volunteering and gaining healthcare experience, and of course what being a nursing student and going to clinical is like,” Suro said.  “We also provide the opportunity for pre-nursing students to meet each other, since many of the core pre-nursing requisites are online classes.  We will help students with resumes, application essays, getting started with volunteering or shadowing in a healthcare setting, and ensuring that they understand nursing as a profession.”

Suro hopes the “Stampede Into Bull Nursing” program will prepare its members for the rigors of the College of Nursing programs and help them overcome academic challenges to excel throughout their college journey.

“’Stampede Into Bull Nursing’ is so dear to my heart,” Suro said. “I get such joy from helping others by providing them with something I wished I could’ve had – someone to answer all my questions about what nursing school would be like, and to counsel me through the process of applying and starting the program!”

Suro and the other mentors held the program’s first official meeting on September 13, 2012 where they explained the purpose of the program, introduced mentors, held two elections to fill two positions, held a presentation with a discussion and a Q&A session, and highlighted upcoming events.

“It has been such a rewarding experience to serve as a mentor and have this leadership position in SIBN where I am able to watch the pre-nursing students grow as individuals and become even more passionate about Nursing as a profession,” Russell said. “This mentorship program has been a huge success because of its expansion and how it has reached out to so many pre-nursing students. Each meeting is really tailored to them whether it relates to their current coursework or the nursing program directly, we are here for them. I feel this program will promote their success in academics and their future as a nurse since as a mentor, I provide encouragement, support, and guidance- something that each pre-nursing student needs!”