Clinical supervision in moderating organisational conflict and preserving effective working relationships

This paper examines the role of clinical supervision in relation to the work of a palliative care nurse, although the issues discussed relate to all nurses whatever specialities. The effects of market forces and organisational culture on the delivery of human service are explored in context. The writer draws on psychoanalytical ego defence construction and existential-phenomenological ideas to throw light on the deliberation. Through a case study illustration the writer makes a case for the development of a safe and effective working relationships helped by clinical supervision and through agreed working arrangements. The discussion concludes with the central recommendation that constructing a safe working environment for clinical supervision, through which to explore the dynamic forces influencing the organisation of health care, transcends methodological considerations. (The writer has changed all names and circumstances).