Organisation-Wide Peer-Group Nurse Unit Manager Clinical Supervision: Mixed-Methods Evaluation.

AIM: To explore and describe Nurse Unit Managers' experiences of supervisor education and peer-group Clinical Supervision.

DESIGN

Mixed methods exploratory evaluation.

METHODS

Nurse Unit Managers at a large tertiary hospital in Melbourne, Australia, were invited to engage in clinical supervisor education and subsequent peer group clinical supervision in 2023 and 2024. A convergent parallel mixed-methods evaluation was conducted, involving a longitudinal survey of wellbeing (pre- and post-program) and semi-structured interviews (60 min). Repeated-measures analyses were reported, and interviews were analysed thematically.

RESULTS

Of the 50 Nurse Unit Managers who participated in the program, 39 (78%) completed the baseline survey, and 25 completed the post-education survey (36% attrition from baseline). Exploratory analyses suggest NUM wellbeing may improve following CS supervisor education. Twelve participants were interviewed. Five themes were constructed: (1) an opportunity for development, (2) valued and valuing, (3) connection, reflection and facilitation, (4) reality of practice, and (5) impact and influence. Integration across studies suggests peer group clinical supervision training and practice may be transformational for some and support a sense of connection and community across the organisation. Authentic and sustained organisational and structural support for both the training and subsequent practice was considered essential. Embedding expectations and governance processes into standards of practice, both from the Nurse Unit Managers and nursing leadership, was considered fundamental for sustainability.

CONCLUSIONS

An innovative approach to implementing clinical supervision for nurse unit managers may contribute to supportive and connected Nurse Unit Manager communities.

PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: No patients, service users, caregivers, or members of the public were involved in this study. Instead, this study was focused on the experiences and perceptions of nurses.

REPORTING METHOD: The study was reported according to the Good Reporting of A Mixed Methods Study (GRAMMS) guidelines.

IMPLICATIONS FOR THE PROFESSION: Combining Clinical Supervision supervisor education and subsequent peer-group Clinical Supervision could be a valuable strategy for enhancing Nurse Unit Manager job satisfaction, work relationships, and overall flourishing. Co-designing and incorporating Clinical Supervision education into professional development programs may actualise positive impacts on both individual wellbeing and team dynamics.