Clinical supervision in the integration of nursing students in paediatric clinical education: an experience report

Introduction: To ensure a positive and enriching clinical experience for nursing students, it is essential to reflect on how to make their integration into practice more welcoming and educational. Objective: To reflect on the clinical supervision practices used during the integration of students in a paediatric setting, aiming to identify facilitating factors and areas for improvement. Methods: Experience report based on Donald Schön’s reflective concepts. A nurse specialised in child health supervised students in a paediatric hospital unit, collecting and analysing data through a supervision diary. Results: Facilitating factors included the presence and support of teachers and clinical supervisors, clear communication, defined expectations, and a welcoming, well-organised physical environment. Opportunities for improvement included the need for greater emotional preparation, more effective communication strategies, and stronger orientation during the first days of the placement. Conclusion: Based on the barriers and facilitating factors identified through reflective analysis, the implementation of a structured clinical supervision programme is recommended. This should include clear objectives, individualised support, and continuous feedback to enhance student integration into paediatric clinical education. Although this report reflects a single supervisory context, the insights gained may inform future improvements in supervision strategies and contribute to the development of safe, competent, and emotionally prepared nursing professionals.