Peer group clinical supervision for community health nurses: Perspectives from an interpretive hermeneutic study.

Abstract

To explore the lived experience of utilizing peer group supervision in practice for community health nurses. Community health nursing is an autonomous and challenging role where quality clinical supervision has benefits for the registered nurse. The structured New Zealand Coaching and Mentoring model of peer group supervision provides the foundation for this research. An interpretative hermeneutic study explored the experience of peer group supervision in a regional health service in Australia. Qualitative in-depth interviews were conducted with all levels of nursing staff to gain an understanding of their experience of peer group supervision. Data interpretation through hermeneutic analysis revealed the value and professional sustenance gained by participants. Identified game changers include adherence to rules and the influence of group dynamics. These areas were found to impact the quality of supervision. This research provides different perspectives of peer group supervision that shares the experience of staff immersed in the process. Peer group supervision yields benefits for community health nurses; however, the research has implications for practice. Nurse managers require information when making key decisions regarding workplace implementation. Effective supervision is only possible when balance between benefits and game changers are achieved.