Good characteristics of a clinical supervisor: a community mental health nurse perspective

Abstract

A qualitative methodology was adopted using a questionnaire and focus group to identify characteristics of a good supervisor from a supervisee perspective (staff nurses working in a mental health setting). Findings from the questionnaire and focus group were used as a basis for the nominal group technique to establish a prioritization of those characteristics identified. Thematic content analysis of the focus group generated five major categories: who provides clinical supervision; what happens during supervision; factors affecting the choice of supervisor; characteristics of a good clinical supervisor; and limitations caused as a result of how supervision is conducted. The ability to form supportive relationships, having relevant knowledge/clinical skills, expressing a commitment to providing supervision, and having good listening skills were perceived by the staff nurses as important characteristics of their supervisor. Supervisees viewed their supervisor as a role model, someone who they felt inspired them, whom they looked up to and had a high regard for their clinical practice and knowledge base. Nonetheless, limitations to the supervisory process were identified. Having their clinical supervisor allocated to them, their supervisor also being their manager, and having supervision sessions documented and stored by this manager threatened the full utility of the clinical supervision. In this paper three categories will be discussed: what happens during clinical supervision; good qualities of a clinical supervisor; and limitations caused as a result of how clinical supervision is conducted. In light of the study's findings, recommendations are offered to develop the provision of clinical supervision.

The Cultural Realities of Clinical Supervision in an Acute Inpatient Mental Health Setting

“…Cleary and A. Freeman Burns, 1998;Devine & Baxter, 1995;Sloan, 1999;Yegdich, 1998Yegdich, , 1999Yegdich & Cushing, 1998). Clinical supervision is a well-recognised component of psychiatry, social work, and psychology and its applicability to nursing has gained increased interest in recent years.…”

Towards a Consensus of a Competency Framework for Clinical Supervision in Nursing: Knowledge, Attitudes, and Skills

“…Guided by Fowler's earlier (1995) study, Sloan (1999) conducted a descriptive investigation of the characteristics of a good clinical supervisor with staff nurses working in a mental health setting. Sloan (1999) discovered that possessing the ability to form supportive relationships, having relevant knowledge and clinical skills, expressing a commitment to providing CS, and having good listening skills were perceived as important characteristics of a "good" supervisor.…”

“…The phenomenon was included in the answer(s) provided to specific research question(s), such as "What are the characteristics of a good supervisor? (e.g., see Sloan, 1999).…”

Fostering a Culture of Support in Mental Health Settings: Alternatives to Traditional Models of Clinical Supervision

“…Far-reaching benefits are often ascribed to CS including its ability to solve nursing's discontent, despite a lack of published empirical studies to support this assertion (Sloan, 1999). Unfortunately, the topic of CS often re-emerges after clinical governance procedures have highlighted problematic nurse behaviours such as a transgression of professional boundaries but there is frequently an absence of prolonged commitment to supports that may prevent such problems in the first place.…”

“…Unfortunately, the topic of CS often re-emerges after clinical governance procedures have highlighted problematic nurse behaviours such as a transgression of professional boundaries but there is frequently an absence of prolonged commitment to supports that may prevent such problems in the first place. Confusion and suspicion still exist between the clinical and managerial functions of supervision (Kelly, Long, & McKenna, 2001;Scanlon & Weir, 1997;Sloan, 1999;Walsh et al, 2003).…”