Abstract
Background: Clinical supervision is widely recognised as a valuable method of workplace support and professional development. Effective supervision requires clinical supervisors to be trained on theory and practice. Oftentimes, training is interdisciplinary and may not address discipline-specific needs. Aim: This study evaluated the implementation of a clinical supervision training program developed specifically for mental health nurses and informed by community and consumer involvement. Methods: A convergent parallel mixed-method design was used. A purposeful sample of 18 mental health nurses who completed the training program participated. Data collection included the Acceptability, Feasibility, Appropriateness Scale and open-ended qualitative survey responses. Quantitative data were analysed descriptively, with exploratory correlation analysis, and qualitative data were analysed thematically. Findings: Quantitative results identified that mental health nurses were satisfied with the clinical supervision training program. Qualitative feedback revealed two themes: (i) learning experience and (ii) relevance and impact of learning. Integrated findings indicated strong satisfaction with the training content and identified key considerations for translation to clinical practice. The discipline-specific clinical supervision training was acceptable and appropriate for mental health nursing practice. Discussion: Discipline-specific training can effectively prepare clinical supervisors. However, successful translation to practice depends on organisational support beyond individual training. Conclusion: While the training supported confidence and improved knowledge of clinical supervisors, further considerations for sustainable implementation of supervision in mental health nursing practice are required.
Keywords
clinical supervision, continuing, education, nursing, professional competence, psychiatric nursing, surveys and questionnaires
Document Type
Journal Article
Date of Publication
1-1-2026
ISSN
13227696
Volume
33
Issue
4
Publication Title
Collegian
Publisher
Elsevier
School
School of Nursing and Midwifery
Funding Information
This work was supported by Edith Cowan University, Early-Mid Career Researcher Grant Scheme 2025 (Stream 1), 2025–2026.
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
First Page
324
Last Page
334
Recommended Citation
Hamilton, J., Barr, L., Boulianne, M., Ngune, I., Sharrock, J., & Massey, D. (2026). Feasibility of a clinical supervision training program for mental health nurses: A mixed-methods study. Collegian, 33(4), 324–334. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.colegn.2026.05.007