Exploring Supportive Supervision of Nurses in the Health Care Facilities in Volta Region, Ghana

Abstract

The study sought to examine supportive supervision of nurses in the health care facilities in Volta Region of Ghana. The study employed descriptive survey of the qualitative approach and targeted all the management of health care facilities in Volta Region. Purposive sampling was adopted in selecting three (3) management members from various health care facilities in Volta Region. The primary data was obtained from the responses and information from the interview guide administered to the nurse supervisors. Credibility and trustworthiness were ensured to enhance the quality of data and ethical consideration such as anonymity, informed consent, privacy and confidentiality were ensured. Data from interviews were transcribed, edited, coded and analysed thematically with the help of research objectives. The study found that the role of nurse managers in support supervision it to monitor, supervise, teach or support nurses to provide appropriate and quality health care delivery to patients. The institution’s management assist support supervision by provided needed equipment and environment for transfer of knowledge and skills from supervisors or nurse managers to young nurses. The motive of support supervision was to provide confidence in the young nurses, to improve upon the performance and quality health care delivery and to minimize errors. Participants were not familiar with any strategy that can be used to support supervision. Challenges associated with support supervision included; inadequate resources and equipment, inadequate training, time issues and administrative challenges. It was suggested that support supervision should be encouraged in the health sector due to its numerous benefits and significance to both the health personnel and the patients as a whole. Institutions management should continue to provide needed tools, equipment, resources and the enabling environment for transfer of knowledge and skills among health personnel.