International Journal of Qualitative Studies on Health & Well-Being (Jan 2021)

A personal and professional journey - experiences of being trained online to be a supervisor in professional supervision in nursing

  • Jenny Molin,
  • Monica Öberg-Nordin,
  • Barbro Arvidsson,
  • Britt-Marie Lindgren

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1080/17482631.2021.1952523
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 16, no. 1

Abstract

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Background Nurses often work alone in complex environments with ambiguous responsibilities and need ensured access to supervision.Online supervision has become common and has potential to support supervision in rural areas. Aim To explore the experiences of registered nurses (RNs) learning online to be a supervisor in professional supervision in nursing. Design A longitudinal qualitative design was used. Methods A total of six focus group discussions, with 15 RNs divided in two groups, were conducted before, during, and after the training. Data underwent qualitative content analysis. Results Results showed that the participants experienced learning to be a supervisor online as a personal and professional journey, and learning online was an advantage rather than a disadvantage. Initially, they focused on themselves, then on themselves within the group, and finally on themselves and the group. Both the group and the internet environment were described as safe places. Online tutoring needs to include the creation of a social presence within the group.

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