Administrative clinical supervision as evaluated by the first-line managers in one health care organization district

Abstract

The aim of this article is to increase knowledge and understanding of administrative clinical supervision. Administrative clinical supervision is a learning process for leaders that is based on experiences. Only a few studies have focused on administrative clinical supervision. The materials for this study were evaluations collected in 2002-2005 using a clinical supervision evaluation scale (MCSS). The respondents (n = 126) in the study were nursing leaders representing different specialties. The data were analysed statistically. The findings showed that the supervision succeeded very well. The contents of the sessions differed depending on the nurse leader's position. Significant differences were found in the evaluations between specialties and within years of work experience. Clinical supervision was utilized best in the psychiatric and mental health sector. The supervisees' who had long work experience scored the importance and value of clinical supervision as high. Clinical supervision is beneficial for nursing leaders. The experiences were positive and the nursing leaders appreciated the importance and value of clinical supervision. It is important to plan and coordinate a longitudinal evaluation so that clinical supervision for nursing leaders is systematically implemented and continuously developed.