Clinical supervision promotes learning and growth among metastatic breast cancer nurses: Mixed methods evaluation of a pilot program

<h2>Abstract</h2><h3>Problem</h3> Metastatic breast cancer nurses are integral in providing support to those affected by cancer, while the supervision and mentoring for these roles in the workplace are not always available. <h3>Aim</h3> To explore metastatic breast cancer nurses' perspectives on participation in a 12-month clinical supervision intervention. <h3>Methods</h3> Clinical supervision was offered to participants as part of a pilot metastatic breast cancer nurse training program. Bi-monthly one-hour clinical supervision sessions were held using a video conferencing platform for a 12-month period. The clinical supervision intervention was evaluated using a mixed methods approach. Participants completed the Manchester Clinical Supervision Scale-26© (MCSS-26©) online, and a semistructured interview at the end of the clinical supervision period. Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis were used to summarise and report the findings. <h3>Results</h3> Eight metastatic breast cancer nurses participated in the clinical supervision intervention. All were ‘very satisfied' with the supervision (N = 8; 100%). The MCSS subscales which scored highest were ‘Reflection' (M = 11.5, SD=0.7, range 0–12), ‘Supervisor advice' (M = 18.9, SD=1.4, range 0–20), and ‘Improve Care/Skills' (M = 14.6, SD=1.5, range 0–16). Three themes were inductively derived: (i) Learning and growth through clinical supervision, (ii) The shared experience, and (iii) Importance of embedding clinical supervision into practice. <h3>Conclusion</h3> Clinical supervision can be used as a learning and support tool for metastatic breast cancer nurses, with peer-to-peer participation being a valuable component. Other specialist cancer nurses may benefit from having clinical supervision embedded into their practice.