Aim: This study investigated new graduate occupational therapists' perceived readiness for the fieldwork supervisor role at a metropolitan Melbourne Hospital.
Methods: Data from four in-depth individual interviews and a focus group conducted with seven Grade 1 occupational therapists were analysed thematically. An iterative process was used to develop themes from the categories of data.
Results: The new graduate occupational therapists' perceived readiness for supervising students was strongly influenced by a sense of still learning themselves. High expectations were expressed of the supervisory role. Active support and supervision from the workplace and the university are seen as necessary.
Conclusions: A deeper understanding of the supervisory role and associated skills required for new graduate therapists is needed. Support from senior colleagues and workshops conducted by the university to up-skill the therapists are recommended.
© 2010 The Authors. Australian Occupational Therapy Journal © 2010 Australian Association of Occupational Therapists.