Nursing burnout and staff turnover are major challenges for many rural hospitals, where nurses often face heavy workloads and high levels of stress. This project will work directly with nurses at Erie Shores HealthCare to better understand their wellness needs and develop a peer support program that reflects their experiences and workplace realities. Through surveys and collaborative planning sessions, nurses will help design a program that encourages emotional support, reduces barriers to seeking help, and promotes a healthier work environment. The goal is to create a practical, nurse-led approach that supports well-being and helps nurses thrive at work.

By centering nurses’ voices in the design process, the project will produce a culturally relevant, sustainable peer support program that enhances well‑being, reduces burnout, and supports retention for rural hospitals facing persistent workforce shortages. The initiative also advances national health human resource priorities by investing directly in nurse mental health, ultimately improving patient care and strengthening the resilience of the local healthcare system.