Clinical supervision for mental health nurses in Northern Ireland: formulating best practice guidelines

Nurses work in a constantly challenging and changing environment. Within this context, there is a continuing need for support. Such support will help increase morale, decrease strain and burnout, and encourage self-awareness and self-expression. Clinical supervision address all these issues and enhances the quality of care for patients. While clinical supervision is a policy imperative in Northern Ireland, it was clear that there were problems in its implementation in mental health nursing. The aim of this project was to explore ways to make clinical supervision available to all mental health nurses and to improve and evaluate their contribution to patient care. The research team undertook a comprehensive literature review and a baseline survey of relevant stakeholders. Results represent the outcome of the group work. They will assist healthcare providers to develop local policies and procedures on clinical supervision for practising mental health nurses.

The distribution of advanced practice nurses in Arkansas: gaps in the care of rural underserved populations

PURPOSE

To examine the relationships between advanced practice nurses' (APN) practice sites and economic factors, racial and ethnic characteristics of the populations they serve, and the likelihood of APNs practicing in underserved areas.

DATA SOURCES

Retrospective analysis of U.S. census data and records supplied by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing.

CONCLUSIONS

Nurse practitioners (NPs) were the only APN group with equal distribution in rural or urban areas. Overall, APNs and NPs were more likely to practice in counties with higher rates of poverty and lower education levels.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

More effort needs to be made in recruiting and retaining APNs in rural and underserved areas.