The influence of clinical supervision on nurses' moral decision making

Nurs Ethics. 2000 Mar;7(2):124-33. doi: 10.1177/096973300000700205.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of clinical supervision on nurses' moral decision making. The sample consisted of 15 registered nurses who took part in clinical supervision sessions. Data were obtained from interviews and analysed by a hermeneutic transformative process. The hermeneutic interpretation revealed four themes: increased self-assurance, an increased ability to support the patient, an increased ability to be in a relationship with the patient, and an increased ability to take responsibility. In conclusion, it seems that clinical supervision enhances nurses' ability to provide care on the basis of their decision making. However, the qualitative and structural aspects of clinical supervision have to be investigated further in order to develop professional insight into the way that nurses think and react.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Clinical Competence / standards*
  • Decision Making*
  • Ethics, Nursing*
  • Female
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Morals*
  • Nurse's Role
  • Nursing Evaluation Research
  • Nursing Methodology Research
  • Nursing Staff, Hospital / education
  • Nursing Staff, Hospital / psychology*
  • Nursing, Supervisory / standards*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Sweden