SUPERVISION

Meaning

The word is derived from two words super means ‘above’ & video means ‘I see’. In other words, over seeing (or) superindenting the work of others.

Definition 1. It is defined as the authoritative direction

of the work of one’s subordinates. It is based on their hierachial organization in which each level of subordinate to the one immidiately above it and subject to its orders.

-Basavanthappa

2. Supervision is defined as a cooperative relationship between a leader and one or more persons to accomplish a particular purpose.

- Lambertson

3. Supervision is a kind of teaching which involves, advising, helping, inspiring leading and liberating.

- Jean Barrett.

Objectives of supervision

1. To persist in the delivery of high quality of health care services.

2. To assist and to help in the development of staff to their highest potential.

3. To interpret the policies, objective, needs etc.

4. To plan services cooperatively and to develop coordination to avoid overlapping.

5. To develop standards of service and method of evaluation of personnel and services.

6. To assist in problem solving of the matters concerning personnel, administrative and operation of services.

7. To evaluate the services given.

Needs for supervision in directing

• The effectiveness of the workers depends on the quality of work is directly related to the degree of supervision.

• Intensity of supervision should also depend on supervisors and supervision ratio.

• Establish span of control.

Functions of supervision

• Administrative function.

• Teaching.

• Helping.

• Linking.

• Evaluation.

Functions of supervision in directing

• Orientation of newly posted staff

• Assessment of the workload of individuals and groups

• Arranging for the flow of materials

• Coordination of efforts

• Promotion of effectiveness of workers

and social contact.

• Helping the individuals to cope

• Facilitating the flow of communication.

• Raising the level of motivation

• Establishment of control

• Development of confidence

• Emphasis on achievement

• Record keeping

Principles

• Supervision strives to make the ward a good learning situation.

• Supervision of graduate staff nurses differs from that of students in general respect.

• Good supervision is well planned. Objectives, methods of supervision and criteria for judging.

• Good supervision helps the individual nurse set up objectives.

• It helps her to attain her objectives. It stimulates her interest and effort.

• It helps the nurse to make a pattern for analysis and to analyze continuously her success in reaching her objectives.

Qualities of good supervisor

• Thoroughness

• Fairness

• Initiative

• Tact

• Enthusiasm

• Emotional control

• Personal qualification

• Teaching ability

• General outlook

• Skill, knowledge and attitude required for supervision

- Interpersonal & professional skills

- Professional and technical knowledge

- Attitude

Techniques and tools for supervision

Common techniques are:

1. Observation

2. Supervisory rounds

3. Individual and group conferences

4. Chick list

5. Rating scales

6. Written policies, printed manuals, bulletin records etc.

7. Reports written or verbal

8. Records including anecdotal records

9. Follow-up visits and evaluation

10. Staff meeting

11. In-service education