Nursing care supervision: A qualitative study of staff and auxiliary nurses’ experiences in Limpopo province

Abstract

Background: According to the South African Nursing Council’s regulation R 2127, staff and auxiliary nurses must be supervised by professional nurses. This supervision is essential for quality care, leading to fewer patient complaints and higher satisfaction.
Aim: This study aimed to explore and describe the experiences of staff nurses and auxiliary nurses on the supervision of nursing care by professional nurses in Limpopo province.
Setting: The study was conducted in three selected regional hospitals located in different districts of Limpopo province: Vhembe, Mopane, and Waterberg.
Methods: A qualitative approach using exploratory, descriptive, and appreciative inquiry research designs was selected to gain insights into professional nurses’ supervision of nursing care. Non-probability purposive sampling was used to choose districts, hospitals, units, and participants. Data were collected through focus group interviews with participants from paediatric, maternity, and casualty units and analysed using Tesch’s eight steps of data analysis.
Results: Four themes emerged: Staff shortages, educational and training challenges, attributes of a good supervisor, and the roles and responsibilities of supervisors.
Conclusion: To improve the quality of patient care outcomes and reduce patient complaints and lawsuits, professional nurses must supervise nursing care. However, the current difficulties jeopardise professional nurses’ ability to optimally supervise nursing care.
Contribution: This study contributes to improving the quality of supervision of nursing care, which is aimed at achieving high patient satisfaction, reducing patient complaints and related medico-legal negligence cases. This study also demonstrates how effective supervision by registered professional nurses can enhance the knowledge and skills of both staff nurses and auxiliary nurses.