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

A qualitative methodology was adopted using a questionnaire and focus group to identify characteristics of a good supervisor from a supervisee perspec tive (staff nurses working in a mental health setting). Findings from the q uestionnaire and focus group were used as a basis for the nominal group tec hnique to establish a prioritization of those characteristics identified. T hematic content analysis of the focus group generated five major categories : who provides clinical supervision; what happens during supervision; facto rs affecting the choice of supervisor; characteristics of a good clinical s upervisor; and limitations caused as a result of how supervision is conduct ed. The ability to form supportive relationships, having relevant knowledge /clinical skills, expressing a commitment to providing supervision, and hav ing good listening skills were perceived by the staff nurses as important c haracteristics of their supervisor. Supervisees viewed their supervisor as a role model, someone who they felt inspired them, whom they looked up to a nd had a high regard for their clinical practice and knowledge base. Noneth eless, limitations to the supervisory process were identified. Having their clinical supervisor allocated to them, their supervisor also being their m anager, and having supervision sessions documented and stored by this manag er threatened the full utility of the clinical supervision. In this paper t hree categories will be discussed: what happens during clinical supervision ; good qualities of a clinical supervisor; and limitations caused as a resu lt of how clinical supervision is conducted. In light of the study's findin gs, recommendations are offered to develop the provision of clinical superv ision.