The Effectiveness of Peer Support Programs in Reducing Stress Among Newly Graduated Nurses

Posted: Aug 01, 2019

• Jeremy Cox
• Jessica Perry
• Jordan Morris

Abstract

The transition from nursing education to professional practice represents a critical period characterized by significant stress and adaptation challenges for newly graduated nurses. This phenomenon, often described as reality shock, involves navigating complex clinical environments, assuming increased responsibility, and developing professional identity under demanding circumstances. The stress experienced during this transition has been linked to concerning outcomes including burnout, medication errors, and early career attrition, contributing to the ongoing nursing shortage crisis. While various support mechanisms have been implemented to facilitate this transition, peer support programs represent a promising yet underexplored approach that leverages the power of shared experience and mutual understanding. Traditional orientation programs often focus primarily on clinical competency development while paying insufficient attention to the psychological and emotional dimensions of professional transition. The unique contribution of this research lies in its comprehensive examination of how structured peer support interventions specifically address the multifaceted stress experienced by new nurses. Unlike previous studies that have typically examined either quantitative stress measures or qualitative experiences in isolation, this investigation employs an integrated mixed-methods approach to capture both the measurable outcomes and the lived experiences of participants. The research addresses several critical gaps in the current literature. First, it examines the specific mechanisms through which peer support operates to reduce stress, moving beyond simple correlation to explore causal pathways. Second, it investigates both psychological and physiological dimensions of stress response, providing a more holistic understanding of intervention effectiveness. Third, it explores the longitudinal development of stress patterns and coping mechanisms throughout the six-month transition period.