Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Practice Test

What is the primary purpose of ongoing clinical supervision for psychiatric nurses?

1. To increase workload

2. To improve workplace relationships

3. To reinforce helpful behaviour of nurses

4. To monitor patient outcomes

The correct answer is: To reinforce helpful behaviour of nurses

The primary purpose of ongoing clinical supervision for psychiatric nurses is to reinforce helpful behavior of nurses. This process involves a structured and continuous assessment of a nurse's clinical practices, providing support and feedback that contribute to the development of effective therapeutic interventions. By regularly engaging in clinical supervision, psychiatric nurses are encouraged to reflect on their actions, recognize effective strategies, and reinforce their skills and knowledge in caring for patients. This support is critical in the mental health field, where understanding complex patient needs and behaviors is essential for effective treatment. It ensures that the nurses are applying evidence-based practices correctly and are able to identify areas for improvement, leading to higher standards of patient care. While improving workplace relationships and monitoring patient outcomes are important aspects of nursing practice, they are not the primary focus of ongoing clinical supervision. Improving relationships may be a byproduct of better support and communication within the supervision framework, and monitoring outcomes, although vital, typically falls under different quality assurance and evaluation measures rather than the direct aim of supervision for reinforcing nurse behavior.