Facilitating support groups: a pilot study.

Abstract

A group of senior nurses and the hospital chaplain planned to provide support for nursing staff in a large general hospital in Edinburgh. Three pilot support groups took place during 1990-1991. The evaluations from all group sessions and retrospective evaluations make a strong case for this method of support for nurses. The need to accept support is now acknowledged by nursing staff at all grades; there is a growing awareness of the importance of feeling valued by the organisation, and of nurses valuing themselves and each other. However, regular commitment to group support on a weekly basis is difficult for many nurses.