About reflective clinical supervision
Reflective clinical supervision is a professional learning partnership between a supervisor and clinician or clinicians. Sessions are planned, held regularly and take place in a secure and confidential environment. Supervision may be offered one-to-one or in groups.
Reflective supervision provides protected time for clinicians to explore their experiences, relationships and perspectives linked to clinical work. This is different from ‘point-of-care’ clinical supervision, which focuses on case management. While both approaches share some elements, such as goal setting and professional support, the purpose and methods differ.
Participation in reflective supervision within Western Sydney LHD is voluntary and is designed to support ongoing professional development and confidence in practice.
Reflective supervisors must complete a reflective supervision training program recognised by Western Sydney LHD.
The Western Sydney LHD Reflective Clinical Supervisor Training Program supports experienced staff to develop the knowledge and skills needed to provide reflective supervision. The program is offered 3 to 4 times each year. Staff must have their manager’s support before applying.
How to apply
- Enrol in My Health Learning using the course code CSK14852 – WSLHD Reflective Clinical Supervisor Training Program.
- Seek your manager’s approval for enrolment.
- Commit to completing all course components within the time agreed with the program coordinator.
By enrolling, it is assumed you have discussed the expectations of the Reflective Supervisor role with your manager and are supported to provide a minimum of 1 hour each month of reflective supervision to Western Sydney LHD staff.
Program structure
The program runs over 4 weeks and includes:
- 4 hours of online learning each week on Moodle.
- 2 hours of virtual classroom learning each week on MS Teams.
The course requires a minimum of 24 hours to complete. Participants will be marked as completed in My Health Learning once all requirements are met.
What you will learn
Content includes:
- adult learning principles
- communication techniques
- individual and group facilitation skills.
COP sessions are one-hour virtual meetings where reflective supervisors can discuss practice, share experiences and learn from one another. Both new and experienced supervisors can connect across the LHD, celebrate successes, explore challenges and strengthen their reflective practice skills.
Confidentiality is essential to reflective supervision. The relationship between the supervisor and supervisee is based on trust and is separate from line management.
However, confidentiality has legal and ethical limits. Supervisors must escalate issues such as:
- possible breaches of professional standards or codes of conduct
- concerns about risk of harm to self or others
- matters that require mandatory reporting.
Supervisors will support supervisees and follow the correct escalation pathways when these issues arise.
All Nursing and Midwifery staff across Western Sydney LHD can access the Clinical Supervision Program, regardless of role, speciality or experience.
Steps
- Discuss your interest in participating with your manager.
- Complete the WSLHD Clinical Supervision Program – Nomination Form for Supervisees.
- You will receive an email with your Clinical Supervisor’s contact details to arrange your first session.
If you prefer to take part with 4 to 6 colleagues or with someone you already know, note this on the nomination form.
GradStart nurses do not need to complete the form. Contact your GradStart Coordinator.
Supervisors and supervisees should meet for at least one hour each month, in a location away from the supervisee’s usual work area.
The meeting frequency can be adjusted based on availability and need. Meetings should be scheduled at times agreed by the supervisee and their manager. Handover crossover periods may be suitable in some workplaces.
Email WSLHD-ClinicalSupervision@health.nsw.gov.au if you have questions about the WSLHD Clinical Supervision Program.