Clinical Supervision

This can be described as being a formal process of professional support which enables practitioners to develop knowledge and competence, assume responsibility for their own practice and enhance patient protection and safety.

Clinical Supervision helps practitioners to reflect on their nursing practice and identify room for improvement. It also allows people to develop expertise, to find new ways of learning and to gain professional support.

The organisation can benefit from Clinical Supervision in the following ways:

• Improved service delivery through the use of evaluation
• New learning opportunities
• Improved staff recruitment
• Improved efficiency and effectiveness
• Quality improvement
• Improved risk and performance management
• Improved systems of accountability and responsibility

Clinical Supervision is not a management tool like the appraisal system. It is put in place to support and prompt staff with their every day practice.

This system was commenced at the John Munroe Independent Hospital in February 2007. A model of Clinical Supervision was adopted and qualified staff assigned as either Supervisor or Supervisee. Qualified nurses have recently been audited with regard to their perceptions of Clinical Supervision since its inception. Here are some examples of what they have had to say:

"I find the sessions useful, they give me personal time when I can speak about any area of my job which might be affecting my day-to-day management and judgement".

"I have a very good relationship with my Clinical Supervisor and feel I could discuss any issues".

"I feel that Clinical Supervision is a significant part of my professional and personal development".

"I have found Clinical Supervision to be useful. It allows me to vent, share and exchange views".

In light of the positive comments received the John Munroe Hospital intends to include healthcare staff in this process. Also, non-nursing staff will be introduced to the concept. This will take place in March 2008 where it will be called Non-Clinical Supervision.

Below is 'Clinical Supervision in the workplace' Document by the RCN, 2002.

Matthew Harris

Managing Director