Clinical supervision and support: Exploring pre-registration nursing students’ clinical practice in Malawi

Abstract

Background: Supervised clinical practice plays a significant role in the nursing profession, as it has an influence on the students’ clinical learning. Objectives: The aim of this study was to explore how the pre-registration nursing students find their experience on clinical supervision in the clinical placements. Methods: The study used both quantitative and qualitative approach to collect data through focus groups (n = 144) and self-administered questionnaires (n = 590) from nursing students of various programmes in selected colleges in Malawi. Results: About 75% (n = 443) of the participants indicated that they received supervision from both clinical staff and Nurse Educator. However, qualitative results indicated that students received inadequate clinical supervision. Themes that emerged from the discussion included lack of human resources, learning support, availability of instructors yet not supporting learning, job insecurity and lack of remuneration as reasons for lack of supervision, role models and student guidance despite pressure and self-directed. Conclusion: There is a need for clear policies regarding clinical supervision as well as a structured and well monitored process.