Zebbie Chilink

Clinical Lead Nurse, Landermeads Nursing Home, Nottingham

Resilience-based Clinical Supervision for Social Care Participant

I attended Resilience-based Clinical Supervision (RBCS) programme in February 2024 with anticipation. Having worked in social care over 24 years, and through Covid-19, this training was timely. The approach I learned not only addresses immediate stressors but fosters long-term wellbeing and professional development. I had neglected myself due to the pressures of my role but, through this programme I learnt that I need to take care of ‘me’ to benefit others and challenge the ‘inner critic’ to experience emotional wellbeing and self-esteem.

As a facilitator, leading RBCS is refining my skills in empathy, active listening, and stress management through using the three emotional systems. I now acknowledge that I do not have solutions to people’s problems, but rather stay curious a bit longer and let people find their own answers. The ‘advice monster’ disempowers people, saying, “they are ‘not good enough’”. I have an opportunity for career advancement, demonstration of my leadership and can highlight my mentoring capabilities and commitment to staff welfare. Facilitating RBCS will build my resilience through the reflective discussions, mitigating my stresses, reducing the risk of burnout, and enhancing my overall wellbeing.

I sensed stronger interpersonal relationships within the team after four sessions. Regular structured sessions have created a safe space for open communication and mutual support, leading to better team dynamics. A simple question ‘how are you feeling today?’ and active listening, have boosted staff morale and a feeling that someone cares. I established that addressing stress and burnout proactively using protected time, safe space agreements, groundings, checking in and endings increases morale. The team feels valued and supported, contributing to a positive and productive workplace environment, which improves residents’ care and overall productivity.

We are expecting a stable workforce due to lower staff burnout and turnover rates. Building resilience will promote a culture of support and continuous improvement which can attract top talent and foster a more dynamic and adaptive work environment. Personal lives will improve significantly with better mental health and work-life balance, as these principles apply in all areas of life and increase loyalty and job satisfaction.