Reflection as a Skill – Clinical Supervision as a Prerequisite for Professional Development to Ensure Patient Safety

Abstract

This study is set in the context of the final phase of nurse specialist students’(NSS) postgraduate education in surgical, oncological, anaesthesia and intensive care nursing at the University College in June 2015. The aim was to explore NSSs’ experiences of clinical supervision (CS) during their postgraduate clinical education. 46 NSS answered open-ended questions and their responses were analysed by means of a qualitative content analysis. The response rate was 82%. One main theme emerged: CS as a prerequisite for professional development and two domains: A reflective way of growing and learning through CS and The meaning of being and acting in a reflective and professional manner to ensure patient safety (PS). The results indicate that reflection is a crucial part of the NSS’ experiences of CS during their postgraduate Clinical education. The supervisor’s ability to confirm the students, mutual trust and feeling safe in the relationship with the supervisor are of great importance. The students highlighted the value of continuity in CS and being supported yet challenged. The supervisor has great responsibility for the NSS’ development of professional clinical competence. The supervisor’s personal and professional skills, in addition to her/his ability to provide CS are important for PS as well as for professional and interdisciplinary teamwork. Acting in a reflective and professional manner is of great importance for ensuring PS. Although most of the students reported being sufficiently competent to ensure PS and agreed that CS and reflection are of great importance for PS, they wanted more time to reflect on their actions together with their supervisor. In conclusion, CS has the potential to lead to quality improvement. However, in order to enhance reflective practice, which is a prerequisite for CS and PS, we recommend closer cooperation between the university college and clinical supervisors,as well as a formal master level education for clinical supervisors.