Aim

To explore the lived experience of utilising peer group supervision in practice for community health nurses.

Background

Community health nursing is an autonomous and challenging role where quality clinical supervision has benefits for the registered nurse. The structured New Zealand Coaching and Mentoring model of peer group supervision provides the foundation for this research.

Design

An interpretative hermeneutic study explored the experience of peer group supervision in a regional health service in Australia.

Method

Qualitative in-depth interviews were conducted with all levels of nursing staff to gain an understanding of their experience of peer group supervision.

Results

Data interpretation through hermeneutic analysis revealed the value and professional sustenance gained by participants. Identified game changers include adherence to rules and the influence of group dynamics. These areas were found to impact the quality of supervision.

Conclusions

This research provides different perspectives of peer group supervision that shares the experience of staff immersed in the process. Peer group supervision yields benefits for community health nurses, however the research has implications for practice.

Implications for nursing management

Nurse managers require information when making key decisions regarding workplace implementation. Effective supervision is only possible when balance between benefits and game changers are achieved.