Clinical supervision for the development of nursing practice.

Nursing practice demands a range of problem-solving skills and abilities, and preregistration courses may only provide limited preparation. Clinicians need to draw on the skills and expertise of experienced colleagues in order most effectively to use their time and energies in a new role or clinical area. Experienced staff may enhance both their clinical expertise and their support of colleagues through the role of clinical supervisor. Clinical supervision has benefits for the supervisor in terms of professional development and for the supervisee as regards identifying and addressing clinical problems. According to the position statement on clinical supervision for nurses and health visitors published by the UKCC (UKCC, 1996) clinical supervision aims to identify solutions to problems, improve practice and increase understanding of professional issues. This article examines roles and responsibilities in clinical supervision and discusses the benefits for individuals and for health services.