Supportive clinical supervision: a cruicible for personal and professional change

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to explore theoretical and practical issues pertinent to the implementation and development of supportive clinical supervision. The paper highlights a facilitative model of supervision that emphasizes the importance of the supervisory relationship within a person-valuing ethos. The authors put a case for sensitive utilization of a supervision concept that leads, they conclude, to self development, self realization, professional enhancement and advancement, and high quality client care. Over time, the ultimate goals of such supervisory practice are twofold: (i) to improve the overall health of the nation and (ii) to promote the progression of the nursing profession. The authors found that a facilitative approach to clinical supervision is therapeutic and self-propelling for both supervisor and supervisee.