An analysis of the experiences of clinical supervision on Registered Nurses undertaking MSc/graduate diploma in renal and urological nursing and on their clinical supervisors.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to elicit clinical supervisors' and supervisees' experiences of clinical supervision while undertaking MSc/Graduate Diploma Programme in Renal and Urological Nursing.


BACKGROUND
Formal systems of clinical supervision have not been implemented in the Republic of Ireland. There is a growing awareness of their effectiveness in enhancing analytic skills and in helping to retain staff in clinical practice. Clinical supervision was incorporated in the MSc/Graduate Diploma Programme to enhance professional growth and development for students.


METHODS
A qualitative descriptive research design was used in this study.


METHODS
A purposive sample of 10 Registered Nurses participated in the study; five were clinical supervisors and the other five were supervisees. The study was undertaken at a large teaching hospital in the Republic of Ireland. Data were collected by semi-structured interviews and analysed using content analysis.


RESULTS
Following data analysis, six major categories emerged. These were, 'positive aspects''negative aspects', 'factors, which had an impact on the process of clinical supervision', 'support', 'formal systems of clinical supervision', 'reflective practice in groups'.


CONCLUSIONS
There was a general feeling that clinical supervision was a good experience for many members of this study group. The concept of clinical supervision was perceived as an inappropriate term to encompass the complexity of the clinical supervision sessions. This begs the question: is clinical supervision a practice with no name or should it be called something else? Giving a practice an appropriate name may empower registered nurses to implement this practice with confidence.


CONCLUSIONS
The findings of this study have implications for management and for the clinical environment, in terms of supporting and preparing practitioners to develop their critical and analytic skills.
Kilcullen
Nora
N
School of Nursing, Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland. nora.kilcullen@dcu.ie
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002983:Clinical Competence; D004511:Education, Nursing, Graduate / Q000458:organization & administration*; D005163:Factor Analysis, Statistical; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006784:Hospitals, Teaching; D006801:Humans; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D007494:Ireland; D017145:Models, Educational; D016294:Models, Nursing; D009398:Nephrology / Q000193:education; D009720:Nurse Clinicians / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology; D015402:Nursing Education Research; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital / Q000523:psychology*; D009745:Nursing, Supervisory / Q000458:organization & administration*; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012944:Social Support; D013850:Thinking; D014572:Urology / Q000193:education