Open - HETI - NSW Government

Barriers to effectivesupervisionIt is important to identify the components which do notcontribute to high quality supervision and address thesewhere possible.Being absent or unavailable: Limited or no supervisionand/or a lack of access to a supervisor is ineffective andcreates anxiety amongst supervisees. It also has a directimpact on the quality and safety of patient care.Being rigid: Setting rules without giving reasons orgiving instructions without an explanation does notcontribute to a positive supervisory relationship.This is not to say that supervisors have to explaineverything all the time but there has to be time forexplanations.Voices fromthe fieldBeing an effective clinical supervisoris more than being a competent clinicianwith good clinical skills,it’s the whole package.Sometimes we need to acknowledgewhen we are not the right fit for a superviseeand refer them on to someone else.Effective clinical supervisionIntolerance and irritability: This leads superviseesto avoidance (e.g. hiding errors and gaps in theircapability).Telling instead of coaching: This can lead tosupervisees feeling unsupported and unable to developtheir skills within the context of their learning stylesand education needs.Having a negative attitude or “blaming”:Publicly criticising the supervisee’s performanceor seeking to humiliate the supervisee leadsto adverse relationships.Not managing supervisees in difficulty:There are many reasons for sub-optimal performance,including poor orientation or poor supervision.Not supporting a supervisee in difficulty has a directimpact on the quality of patient care delivery.FIRST EDITIONHETI The Superguide29