The professional support group: a model for psychiatric clinical nurse specialists

In addition to the frustrations experienced by any CNS, the psychiatric CNS in the general hospital setting experiences additional pressures which are inherent to his/her role. The major additional pressure is the great demand for the provision of support to patients, families, and staff. This necessitates a source of support for the psychiatric CNS. In response to this need, a group of psychiatric CNSs from general hospital settings developed and implemented a model for a professional support group. The formation and developmental process of this professional support group was consistent with literature descriptions of both small group and professional support group development. Informal evaluation demonstrated that this professional support group is achieving its purposes, and continues to function as an ongoing group.