Wenche Bergseth Bogsti

A more complex and knowledge-based society has resulted in increasing specialization and greater demands on employees in the fields of practice. At Gjøvik University College, a new supervision model was tested for nursing students in practice. The main elements were: daily supervisors were given increased responsibility for assessing the students, while at the same time participating in three group counseling meetings. A portfolio contained the student's work requirements. A weekly reflection hour was formalized. The purpose was to elucidate how the supervision model influenced the student's learning situation. The SVIP model was evaluated by the use of focus group interviews. The data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Three categories: structure, inclusion and self-confidence describe the students' need for clear guidelines and objectives, as well as their need to be included and to be seen. Various aspects of clinical practice, including daily supervision are important for student learning. Counseling meetings where the supervisor role is recognized and developed through the tutor, and daily supervisor sharing of experiences and knowledge, should permeate the cooperation.

Title.  Clients’ experiences of living at home with a mechanical ventilator. Aim.  This paper reports on a study of how clients experience living with home mechanical ventilation and how they experience care and supervision of healthcare personnel.Background.  The number of people living at home with mechanical ventilators is increasing, and this is considered a successful approach to reducing incapacity and mortality.Method.  Qualitative interviews were conducted with 10 service users in 2006. The informants were 18–75 years old and had varying diagnoses and levels of functioning. The interviews were tape recorded, transcribed and analysed by qualitative content analysis.Findings.  Two main themes emerged: Theme 1. Having a home ventilator enhances quality of life – a life worth living. The ventilator treatment builds up strength and improves well‐being. Participants emphasized that it was important to feel in control of their own situation and had an overriding wish to live a normal and active life; Theme 2. Competence and continuity of healthcare personnel are factors for success. The experience was that competence and follow‐up by healthcare personnel varied, and that good quality teaching and information were important.Conclusion.  Users of home mechanical ventilators should be active partners in their own care so that their experience is taken into account. It is important for clients having home mechanical ventilation to be empowered and have control in their daily lives, as well as having competent caregivers and continuity of care.