The role of the clinical supervisor

Successfully facilitating student learning in the workplace entails much more than just delivering information (although this is important). What else is involved?

Essentially, your role as a clinical supervisor is to enable students to achieve their learning objectives, that is, to develop the knowledge and skills required by their academic institution and (where relevant) the regulatory authority for their particular discipline, as well as their personal learning goals. At the same time, it’s essential to ensure that patient safety is maintained at all times.

Key elements of the role include:

• organising and co-ordinating student learning activities
• facilitating a positive environment for learning
• clarifying learning objectives and expectations
• providing teaching support appropriate to individual students
• assessing learning and providing constructive feedback; and
• liaising with others to identify any concerns about a students’ performance and agreeing on action as appropriate.

Reflection

In your experience, what have you found to be the most important elements of the clinical supervision role, and why?