Are supervisors using theoretical perspectives in their work? a descriptive survey among Swedish-approved clinical supervisors

Aim The aim of the study was to explore the theoretical perspectives in use by approved clinical nursing supervisors in Sweden.

Background. For the time being, we know little of the theoretical perspectives in use on a daily basis by the clinical nursing supervisors in Sweden.

Methods. A questionnaire (n = 49) and follow-up telephone interviews (n = 14) were used. Data analysis was made by descriptive statistics and qualitative content analysis.

Results. The result from the questionnaire showed that the supervisors often used and combined different theoretical perspectives with origins in nursing, education and psychology. Surprisingly, one-fourth of the respondents did not state any nursing theoretical perspective in use during clinical nursing supervision. The result from the interviews revealed that the theory of Katie Eriksson (1987) was the most commonly used nursing perspective.

Conclusion. As the overall aim for clinical nursing supervision is to improve nursing for the patient/family, the supervisor's competence in nursing is essential. Given this fact, and that only three-quarters of the approved clinical nursing supervisors stated a use of theoretical nursing perspective when supervising, there is obviously a need for further investigations in this area. In addition, there is also a need for approved Swedish clinical nursing supervisors, to further become aware of the theoretical perspective in use that supports their clinical nursing supervision. Clinical nursing supervision is a multifaceted activity that needs to be supported by different nursing theoretical perspectives including physical, emotional, intellectual, spiritual as well as socio-cultural aspects.