Person-centred clinical supervision of nurse anaesthesia students: a qualitative study of nurse anaesthetist’s experiences

Abstract

Background:

The operating department is a complex, collaborative environment where nurse anaesthetists ensure patient well-being while supporting students’ learning. Effective supervision requires combining clinical expertise with educational skills, adapted to students’ needs.

Aim:

To explore nurse anaesthetists’ experiences of supervising nurse anaesthesia students through the concepts of strategy, skill and shared values within the person-centred curriculum framework.

Methods:

A qualitative interview study was conducted with 16 nurse anaesthetists using a deductive approach and qualitative content analysis as described by Graneheim and Lundman.

Results:

Three categories were identified in line with the theoretical framework: strategy promotes learning where supervisors encouraged practical experience, students’ initiative and the creation of a safe learning environment; skill facilitates learning involving the development of students’ knowledge of person-centred care in anaesthesia, individualised supervision, mutual feedback as well as growth in the supervisory role; and shared values contribute to learning highlighting the development of communication skills, humanistic values and the ability to handle conflict constructively.

Conclusion:

This study provides new insights into the importance of person-centred values in nursing supervision as they support both professional and personal growth for supervisors and students, suggesting the inclusion of these values in supervision policies.