Paper
Saturday, July 14, 2007
This presentation is part of : Nursing Education Global Issues
The Challenge of Nursing Clinical Supervision in Portugal
Ernesto J. Morais, MD, RN and Regina M. Pires, MD, RN. n.a, Escola Superior de Enfermagem de São João, 4200 Porto, Portugal
Learning Objective #1: The learner will be able to understand how important nurses consider clinical supervision in their jobs
Learning Objective #2: The learner will be able to understand what organization frame should exist in Portugal to undertake the definition of a policy of Nursing Clinical Supervision

The quick changes that happened along the last decades in different social and economical areas have influenced the debate on clinical supervision, as a process of quality promotion.The increment of the quality of care includes, unavoidably, the promotion of a reflexive attitude where the clinical supervision assumes a fundamental role.

With this investigation we intend to understand how nurses consider clinical supervision in their jobs, which aspects they think are the most difficult to deal with, and what organization frame the clinical supervision model should have to undertake for the definition of a policy of Nursing Clinical Supervision.Using the case study as investigation method, we opted for the qualitative paradigm, based in the comprehensive phenomenology.

Data was collected using half-structured interviews, with a sample of twelve supervisors of nurse’s clinical practices from a Central Hospital. The interveners’ narratives were submitted to a thematic analysis.

With this pioneer study in Portugal, we conclude that these nurses, although not being clinical supervisors’ professionals, have functions in this area considered extremely important in the support of students and professionals, in the practice reflection, in the security and quality of care and in the work organization. On the other hand, the emotional status of people under supervision, the reflection over practice, the resources and availability for the supervision, are some of the most complex aspects that they have to face.

As far as the institutional frame of the clinical supervision policy in nursing is concerned, according to these nurses, this must be supported by the organization philosophy, having a great sensibility concerning the people who are being supervised and the reflection on practices.We believe that this investigation will contribute for the development of a clinical supervision policy, which allows nurses and organizations to face the new challenges in the health area.