AIM: To explore the nature of the nurse clinical supervisor role. BACKGROUND: Although clinical supervision in nursing has been widely explored, few studies have considered the specific role of nurse clinical supervisors. METHOD: A phenomenological approach was used to explore what it means to be a clinical supervisor. Focus groups interviews were conducted with 12 nurse clinical supervisors within one National Health Service (NHS) Trust. RESULTS: Three main categories of themes that represented the essence of the clinical supervisors' role were uncovered. CONCLUSIONS: The research demonstrated that nurses who undertake the clinical supervisor role are rarely offered guidelines for fulfilling the role. The findings reveal gaps in the structure of the clinical supervisor's role which could be hampering successful clinical supervision. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT: The study adds to the existing evidence base and serves to inform managers of the nature of the nurse clinical supervisor role and how it could be better facilitated. The data shed light on the needs of nurse clinical supervisors who often adopt this role in addition to their other clinical and professional commitments. The findings indicate that managerial support in the form of prioritizing training and offering support mechanisms help nurses to effectively fulfil the clinical supervisor role.
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