Clinical supervision, through its restorative or supportive function, can address the mental health and well-being of frontline health workers through facilitated reflective practice, debriefing, and strengthening the supervisee’s stress management and coping mechanisms (8). 

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance for healthcare workers of support (8).  We cannot foresee what the future holds nor predict what challenges a new pandemic might bring. MPox (formerly known as Monkeypox) is an example of an infection that may affect specific groups disproportionately [see section on MPox]; other emerging infections may have no immediate treatment or vaccine.  

Clinical supervision holds a mirror up to the work that the nurse is doing with their clients.  

Recognition that it is not possible to ‘pour from an empty cup’ has never been more relevant for a profession that traditionally puts its own needs last.  

On an aeroplane, people are advised to put their own oxygen mask on before they help the infant they are accompanying. Similarly, if healthcare workers attend to their own needs and well-being, they are better placed to provide optimum care to their clients and others who rely on them.  

Clinical supervision is just one of the ways this can be achieved.