Some benefits experienced by hospice nurses from group clinical supervision

A small clinical supervision group consisting of five hospice nurses met together in their workplace 1 h weekly for 12 weeks. Issues concerning professional practice were examined with the help of a researcher (A.J.) who acted as facilitator. At the end of the group's life A.J. asked all nurses to complete a questionnaire related to the workplace and 12 identified helpful factors. Two weeks later the hospice nurses were interviewed in group format and asked to consider the reasons for their choice of answers. The data revealed that collectively--interpersonal learning (output), identification, catharsis, family re-enactment, group cohesiveness and self-understanding were experienced by the hospice nurses as the most helpful factors to the group. Existential factors, guidance, universality, interpersonal learning (input), instillation of hope and altruism were identified as less important. Variations in individual responses showed different ways in which a group might meet the needs of its members. The study concludes with the suggestion that work discussion groups can offer nurses the means to calm, regulate and plan their interactions with themselves and others. Clinical supervision is an effective format for exploring issues concerning professional practice, allowing nurses to: learn from each other, offer support, recognize how others see and esteem them as fellow workers, and moderate concerns and anxiety related to their work. Group work is likely to raise anxiety in all participants, however, and preparation and support are required for the group facilitator. Carefully chosen membership is also considered important to the safety of members and successes of the group.