Investigating the provision of clinical supervision and professional development opportunities for agency nurses within Western Australia
Date of Award
2023
Document Type
Thesis - ECU Access Only
Publisher
Edith Cowan University
Degree Name
Master of Nursing (Research)
School
School of Nursing and Midwifery
First Supervisor
Hugh Davies
Second Supervisor
Olivia Gallagher
Abstract
Background: Agency nurses are an integral part of the healthcare workforce, working transiently within a variety of healthcare settings to cover nurse shortages. They are not guaranteed regular work and endure changing clinical settings, and negative stereotypes. Agency nurses are drawn to flexible working options however have reported feelings of isolation, a lack of support, and limited professional development. Having access to professional development opportunities and clinical supervision are well established as integral components to enable nurses to provide quality care for patients. The provision of such supports within the agency nurse population is limited and is under researched within the literature.
Aim: To investigate the provision of clinical supervision and professional development opportunities for agency nurses within Western Australia (WA).
Method: A custom developed 30 question quantitative cross-sectional survey was electronically distributed to generate data from agency nurses
Results: A total of 109 agency nurses participated in the study. The findings indicate the provision of clinical supervision and professional development for agency nurses in WA is limited. No access to clinical supervision was reported by 97% of participants, with 65% of agency nurses reporting they have access to professional development. Just under half (43.7%) of those agency nurses that had access to professional development reported being satisfied with the professional development opportunities provided to them. Open comments verified concerns raised in the literature pertaining to a lack of support and professional development for agency nurses.
Conclusion: The study recommends collaboration between stakeholders to support the integration of agency nurses within mainstream health services and initiatives to better facilitate the provision of clinical supervision and professional development opportunities available to them. This would be of benefit to the healthcare workforce and the patients they care for.
DOI
10.25958/fr1d-cf96
Access Note
Access to this thesis is embargoed until 4th December 2024.
Recommended Citation
Connolly, A. (2023). Investigating the provision of clinical supervision and professional development opportunities for agency nurses within Western Australia. Edith Cowan University. https://doi.org/10.25958/fr1d-cf96