The influence of professional roles on clinical supervision

Clinical supervision involves establishing professional relationships that, notwithstanding other benefits, are concerned with safe and effective nursing practice. It is important that supervisors and supervisees are able to work together constructively. Supervisors and supervisees should, therefore, consider their roles and responsibilities outside supervision and how these might influence the supervision relationship. This article draws on the author's personal experiences in the roles of supervisor and supervisee, as well as using ideas from counselling, social work and nursing. Issues related to safe professional practice are also explored. Protocols could be devised offering guidance regarding who should undertake the role of supervisor.