Evaluation of peer-led support groups for graduate nursing students.

The purpose of this article is to explore the educational and experiential benefits for graduate nursing students as both leaders and members of a peer-led support group. The published literature on the stress associated with nursing education and methods used to decrease nursing students' anxiety will be reviewed, and a peer-led support group model will be described. An evaluation of the outcomes for participants as they relate to the goals of decreasing the stress inherent in nursing education and assisting with nursing role transition will be examined. In addition, the benefits of using peer group leaders as part of their group therapy training will be discussed.