This article describes the process of building a system-wide, interprofessional peer support program at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. With limited resources, but with a dedicated team driven by the desire to provide psychological first aid, nurse leaders from a large academic medical center developed a peer support program, inclusive of 16 hours of peer supporter training and quarterly continuing education. To date, this program has 130 trained peer supporters who offer peer support, active listening, and close partnerships with the health care system and university employee assistance programs. This case study shares lessons learned and considerations on how leaders can initiate their own local peer support programs.
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