Professional Experience Placement

http://www.acn.edu.au/publications

In the Spring (#7 2014) edition of The Hive, which is a publication of the Australian College of Nursing there is a special feature on clinical supervision in Australia by Dr Edward White. Dr White critiques the current situation of clinical supervision in Australia. In his article he briefly describes the historical development of contemporary clinical supervision and the implications of the closure of Health Workforce  Australia, especially the Clinical Supervision Support Program. He outlines his concerns for progressing supervision at a National level into the future in Australia. On the previous pages (12-13) there is discussion regarding changes to the health workforce that discusses a recently released reports by the Grattan Institute that focus on unlocking skills in hospitals and unlocking skills of workers for  ‘better jobs and more care’. This article by Caroline Ayers outlines potential losses and gains for the profession through the introduction of assistive personnel, and delegation of some nursing duties to nursing assistants. She also suggests there are  opportunities for advanced practice in nursing.

Both these articles highlight the changing healthcare landscape in Australia. They also show that the role of clinical supervision remains for nurses and other health professionals. What is inferred by White is there is still no consensus on clinical supervision models and input a National level. If clinical supervision is to to continue to evolve to facilitate high quality clinical placements and meet learning outcomes, supervisors will need to negotiate and collaborate at a National level. One way to progress connection with other clinical supervisors is join the community of practice @PEPCommunity.

If you have any comments about clinical supervision in the future you are welcome to post them here. Join us @PEPCommunity.