The Australian Clinical Supervision Association (ACSA) defines supervision as: 

‘A formal professional relationship between two or more people in designated roles, which facilitates reflective practice, explores ethical issues, and develops skills (2). The ACSA emphasises that it is not based on a hierarchical relationship or culture, and that the power lies with the supervisee. 

The chief purpose of clinical supervision is to provide a space for the supervisees to discuss and reflect on the nursing work they are doing with their clients. This can take place one on one or in a group setting. Trust and confidentiality are essential components of good supervision. 

Ideally a qualified, external supervisor, with specific knowledge of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) sector, who is not the nurse’s line manager, is best positioned to provide clinical supervision. Supervision is not about performance appraisal. Good supervision allows for a discussion to unfold and grow and for themes to develop. It allows the supervisees to expand their understanding of their client’s clinical and psychosocial condition as well as their own life situation and potential triggers. It also provides an opportunity for the supervisees to reflect on their strengths, deficits, and needs. It encourages them to examine their practice and the rationale for their approach. This in turn promotes professional growth and a greater therapeutic awareness (1,2). 

An equally important consideration is the opportunity supervision provides for a conversation to develop about the emotional impact of the work. Supervision provides a forum for the supervisee to talk about the toll the work might be taking on them as clinicians. As trust and confidence builds within the group, or for the individual, participants feel more able to share some of their concerns as well as identify strategies to deal with complex situations. One of the roles of the supervisor is to provide support as well as a critical and positive endorsement of the supervisee’s work.