Suspicion, resistance, tokenism and mutiny: problematic dynamics relevant to the implementation of clinical supervision in nursing.

Abstract

In this paper I will discuss some of the more common pitfalls inherent in attempts to introduce clinical supervision to hospital wards or community teams. I will consider pre-existing relationships and how these may, if unexamined and unaccounted for, result in clinical supervision becoming less than optimally effective. Drawing upon the theory of Transactional Analysis, in particular the concept of 'psychological distance', I consider four possible interpersonal dynamics and examine how these may impact upon the implementation of clinical supervision. These problematic dynamics can result in undue resistance, suspicion, tokenism or interpersonal difficulties. Finally, I will consider ways in which the aforementioned problems may be addressed and their effects minimized through the use of co-operative contracting.