Professional nurses' and student nurses' perceptions of clinical supervision in training hospitals of Limpopo Province: South Africa

Abstract

Introduction and background Professional nurses are responsible to supervise student nurses in the clinical areas in order to assist them in achieving the learning outcomes, develop clinical skills and competence; however, this role is overlooked as pinned to different factors influencing clinical supervision, including the related challenges regarding supervision. This study aimed to explore and describe professional nurses’ and student nurses’ perceptions of clinical supervision in training hospitals of Limpopo Province, South Africa. Research methodology The study used convergent parallel mixed methods design. The population in this study was professional nurses and student nurses working in seven training hospitals of Mopani and Vhembe district of Limpopo Province. Purposive sampling was used to sample districts, hospitals and student nurses whereas, convenience sampling was used to sample professional nurses. Self-administered questionnaires and focus group interviews were used in data collection. Quantitative data was v analysed using Statistical Package of Social Science (SPSS), version 22.0 and Tesch’s’ method was used to analyse qualitative data. Findings Perceptions of professional nurses and student nurses revealed several factors influencing supervision and challenges such as staff shortages, high number of student nurses allocated in clinical areas, heavy workload, inadequate material resources, poor communication and inadequate support. The findings were used in formulation of clinical supervision guidelines. Recommendations The recommendations of this study were based on the study findings. Intervention on the challenges of clinical supervision is recommended by utilisation of the formulated guidelines. This will assist in closing the existing gap regarding clinical supervision.