Ethics in clinical nursing supervision--an introduction to the theory and practice of different supervision models

In clinical nursing supervision there are many complex ethical problems. This paper gives an answer to the question of what different clinical supervision models are available, explored from an ethical point of view. Four tentative ethically oriented supervision models, more or less related to the clinical supervision models, were found: decision-making oriented, case-oriented, principle-oriented and value-oriented. Questions of ethical issues and dilemmas related to the clinical supervision process have been addressed specifically to nurse clinical supervisors. It is interesting to note that the three dilemmas found in this study are related to the relationship between supervisor and supervisee. Clinical nursing supervision is an ongoing systematic process that encourages and supports both improved professional and improved administrative practice. In this process the nurse clinical supervisor is committed in her/his role to compromise and to take responsibility for the supervisee's professional development.