Experiences of Nurses in the Clinical Supervision of Nursing Students: Findings from a Systematic Review and Their Application to Radiography

Abstract

Clinical supervision allows students to safely apply theory into practice under the guidance of supervisors. Several primary research studies have been conducted on the experiences of nurses in the clinical supervision of students. However, no study has systematically brought these studies together and applied the findings to a radiography context. This has been necessitated due to a lack of research on this topic in radiography. The aim of this study was, therefore, to systematically review the evidence relating to the experiences of nurses in the clinical supervision of nursing students and apply the findings to radiography. In achieving this aim, a qualitative systematic review was conducted. Databases, nursing journals, and cited references were searched for relevant primary studies. Seven studies were identified and included in the review. Data extraction was performed using an extraction form and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) checklist for qualitative studies to critically appraise the studies. Following thematic data analysis, four themes emerged: the role of clinical supervision, and the experiences of supervisors relating to the managerial, educational and supportive functions of clinical supervision. These findings have provided a template for supporting supervisors in the clinical learning environment. There are many lessons to be learnt from the nursing profession where the experiences of clinical supervisors is well researched. It is recommended that clinical supervisors are appropriately supported through the provision of adequate resources, protected time, training, adequate preparation of students and shared responsibilities amongst supervisors.