To provide peer to peer support for our colleagues following an adverse event so they can continue to work in healthcare and provide compassionate care to patients/families.

The sudden and unexpected loss of a patient; a patient injury; an involvement in a medical error;

or the cumulative effect of workplace stress can be devastating to a care giver.

Those affected by traumatic events deserve understanding and support.

Peer support counselors are available for one-on-one support

If you'd like to talk with a peer counselor contact:

860-358-6711

OVERALL PURPOSE:

The purpose of the Peer to Peer Support Program is to provide support to colleagues following traumatic or stressful workplace events. Working in health care increases the risk that one will be exposed to many difficult experiences and situations. However, with the proper support, nurses can minimize the effects of these events and continue to provide compassionate care to patients and their families.

PROGRAM GOALS:

    1. Design a formalized network for peer to peer support following adverse clinical events.

    2. Identify appropriate resources to ensure peer availability and support for members of the clinical team.

    3. Provide a framework with policies and procedures to support the process

    4. Develop awareness of the “second victim” in the aftermath of an event that can result in a heavy personal toll and potential career-altering changes.

GROUP MEMBERS:

    • Mary Allegra, Director Center for Professional Development

    • Debra DePasqua, Supervisor of Nursing Administration

    • Terri DiPietro, Director of Outpatient Behavioral Health

PEER TO PEER SUPPORTERS:


  • Allegra, Mary CPD

  • Avery, Elise Case Mgt

  • Balda, Mark OR

  • Boule, Lauren CPD

  • Calamari, Annie FAP

  • Cawley, Susan Chronic Care

  • Cawley, Tracy N7

  • Ciammella, Rachel N4

  • Conlin, Tina SLC ED

  • DePasqua, Debra Nursing Admin



  • DiCapua, Ken FAP

  • DiPietro, Terri CBH

  • Haeckel, Kelly Nursing Admin

  • Hardy, Darlene HC

  • Hill, Denise HomeCare

  • Kesten, Gwen EAP

  • Gustafson , Amy CPD

  • Litalien, Dale O/P Ctr Phys Relations

  • Lenois, Kimberly ED

  • Lorinsky, Anita SL ED

  • Massicott, Susan North 6



  • Mayer, Michelle PT Rehab

  • Mohrlein, Cheryl S4-Mgr

  • Muresan, Lorelei CBH

  • Nagy, Jill CBH

  • Nelson, Laura ED

  • Pantalena, Deborah Cancer Ctr

  • Prescott, Erin CCU

  • Robley, Brenda N7

  • Torres-Baird, Madeline SW

  • Wild, Theresa CBH

Click here for more information on the Peer to Peer Supporters


COPING STRATEGIES:

Try to talk to others about your experience.

Sometimes it is difficult to talk to family or close friends. Try other resources such as staff, colleagues, clergy, medical and behavioral health professionals.

Maintain social contact, staying connected to others is important.

Remain active and try to keep a regular schedule and activities.

Limit alcohol and other controlled substances.

If sleep is disturbed, do not toss and turn in bed. Instead, read, watch tv, etc.

Do not try to force away thoughts,feelings, flashbacks. They will diminish in time.

Try to increase your level of physical activity and exercise.

If appetite is disturbed, try to eat small amounts of healthy foods.

Use any other outlets that are of personal value to you as an individual: religion, art, reading, movies, games, etc.

Do not be afraid to ask for support from others.

All Supporters will receive a dragonfly pin.

If you did not receive your pin, contact Dawn Hussey x6480

The dragonfly, in almost every part of the world symbolizes change and change in the perspective of self realization; and the kind of change that has its source in mental and emotional maturity and the understanding of the deeper meaning of life.