Exploring nurse preceptors’ perceptions of benefits and support of and commitment to the preceptor role in the Western Cape Province

Abstract

The findings of this study are supported by Kanter's model of structural determinants of behaviour in organisations, since preceptors who see themselves as having access to opportunity and support are likely to be committed to their role.

The perceptions of newly qualified nurses on the guidance by preceptors towards becoming experts in nursing

“…Given this background and the limited number of preceptors employed in South African hospitals, it can be argued that sufficient preceptor support by academically and clinically prepared nurses is still lacking and that the role of the preceptor is at present vague and needs clarification. This statement is consistent with the views of a number of researchers such as Cloete and Jeggels ( 2014 :6), Hofler and Thomas ( 2016 :135) and Morgan ( 2017 :23). Also, Quek and Shorey ( 2018 :420) assessed the perceptions of preceptorships of newly qualified nurses and found that in the Western Cape, South Africa, the perceived benefits and rewards for the preceptor role and a heavy workload had an impact on commitment to fulfil the preceptor.…”

“…These are experienced often because of the lack of supervision and support, which can be provided by a preceptor. This statement has been supported by various researchers such as Cloete and Jeggels ( 2014 :2), Webster ( 2016 :2) and Zaayman ( 2016 :9), as well as by the comments, discussions and feedback made by colleagues in the clinical field of the hospitals and clinics. Additionally, the need for newly qualified nurses to be clinically and academically supervised and guided is crucial to guarantee that they can subsequently provide safe and competent care, which enables them to continuously grow in the profession from being novices to becoming experts.…”

“…The authors further added that the UFS, so far, has only trained their staff and was planning to roll out the preceptor training programme further. Cloete and Jeggels (2014:2) posited that nurse preceptors have an essential role in clinical education and learning. These statements are all supported by Peixoto, Tavares andDe Queiros (2014:2039), who added that the role of the preceptor is with new graduates in the hospital or place of work, whilst the lecturer's role is institutional in the college or educational context.…”

“…A preceptor is described as a ‘specialised tutor who gives practical training to the student in the practice setting’ (Cloete & Jeggels 2014 :1). In addition, Koetting, Ecuyer and Benz ( 2015 :125) added that a preceptor promotes professional and personal development, along with assisting the transition to advanced practice.…”

“…Preceptors help with the development of knowledge of clinical skills and professional attributes in nursing, encourage the improvement of critical thinking and problem-solving skills and play a vital role in the transition of nursing students from undergraduate nursing to clinical practice (Cloete & Jeggels 2014 :7).…”