The Lived Experience of Supervisors in Rural Settings

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to examine 10 supervisors’ experiences providing supervision in rural areas. This study used focus groups and individual interviews to understand the essence of providing rural supervision. Qualitative analysis revealed the following themes that impact the functioning and development of rural supervisors: rural interdependence, lack of resources, role overload, isolation, and ethical and cultural challenges. Implications for the training and support of rural supervisors are discussed and directions for future research are presented.