Abstract
Background: Supervision forms an integral part of psychiatric nursing. The value of clinical
supervision has been demonstrated widely in research. Despite efforts made toward advanced
psychiatric nursing, supervision seems to be non-existent in this field.
Objectives: The aim of this study was to explore and describe advanced psychiatric nurse
practitioners’ ideas and needs with regard to supervision in private practice in order to
contribute to the new efforts made in advanced psychiatric nursing in South Africa.
Method: A qualitative, descriptive, exploratory, and contextual design using a
phenomenological approach as research method was utilised in this study. A purposive
sampling was used. Eight advanced psychiatric nurse practitioners in private practice
described their ideas and needs for supervision during phenomenological interviews. Tesch’s
method of open coding was utilised to analyse data. After data analysis the findings were recontextualised
within literature.
Results: The data analysis generated the following themes – that the supervisor should
have or possess: (a) professional competencies, (b) personal competencies and (c) specific
facilitative communication skills. The findings indicated that there was a need for supervision
of advanced psychiatric nurse practitioners in private practice in South Africa.
Conclusion: This study indicates that there is need for supervision and competent supervisors
in private practice. Supervision can be beneficial with regard to developing a culture of
support for advanced psychiatric practitioners in private practice and also psychiatric nurse
practitioners.