Supporting effective clinical supervision and assessment in the development of higher-level nursing practice.

BACKGROUND

Higher-level practice development within nursing reflects the demands of a changing society. Nurses require not only the underpinning theory, but also an effective and structured clinical community of practice, derived from a collaborative relationship between higher education institutions and clinical partners.

AIMS: To reflect on the findings of two qualitative research studies that examined higher-level practice, associated education, practice assessment and required clinical supervision.

METHODS

Exploration of the experiences of clinical supervisors supporting students undertaking an MSc in Specialist Community Practice and students and their medical supervisors undertaking an MSc in Advanced Practice, using constant comparative and thematic analysis of semi-structured individual interviews, follow-up focus groups and diaries.

FINDINGS: Effective clinical supervision facilitates the transition from experienced practitioner to 'initiatee' and finally to advanced practitioner, strengthening theory and its application to clinical practice via a collaborative clinical/academic community of practice.

CONCLUSION

Collaboration between higher education and clinical partners cultivates an effective, well-supported community of practice, nurturing the transition from established professional nurse to advanced level practitioner.