Preceptor Preparation: An Investment in the Future Generation of Nurses

Abstract

Nurse preceptors fulfill a primary role in the success of preceptorship experiences during the education of student nurses in their final year of study. Evidence suggests that this success depends greatly on adequate preceptor role preparation and support. The purposes of this qualitative, descriptive study were to explore and describe preceptor role support and development within the context of a rural and northern mid-sized Canadian community. More specifically, in this study the following are described: preceptors' (a) perception of past role preparation and current role support; (b) use and evaluation of the existing print-based fourth-year Preceptor Resource Manual (PRM); (c) perception of role support facilitators and barriers; and (d) recommendations for improvements to preceptor role preparation and support. Data were collected through individual and group interviews. Through content analysis four major themes emerged: accessible resources, role complexity, partners in precepting, and role development.

The Role of Preceptorship and Group Cohesion on Newly Licensed Registered Nurses' Satisfaction and Intent to Stay

“…Preceptor effectiveness is a large focus in nursing research, as it is an extensive process. Luhanga, Dickleson, and Mossey (2010) aimed to explore and describe preceptor role support and development within a mid-sized Canadian hospital. A qualitative exploratory and descriptive design was used to gauge preceptors' feelings of effectiveness and development.…”

Role functions of staff nurse preceptors for undergraduate pre-licensure nursing students

“…This is supported in previous literature. [8,29] Preceptor as protector of self and professional ethos, however, is new and unexplored in the nursing literature. Although exciting, it is also somewhat unexpected as professional core values are fundamental to the discipline of nursing and are identified by the AACN [64] and the NLN.…”

“…[26,27] Nurses serving as preceptors should have clear responsibilities established in order to help prepare them for the role. [28] Preceptors themselves have stressed the need for clearer role expectations, guidance, and support; [17,29] however, preceptors have reported that they feel ill-prepared to assume the role. [13,30,31] Kowalski et al [15] suggest that a lack of preparation is a reason for burnout and dissatisfaction with nurses working as preceptors.…”

“…[27] This sense of accountability and responsibility is viewed by preceptors as critical, especially if students are deemed unsafe or incompetent. [29][30][31] Preceptors report less satisfaction in the role when students are perceived as "difficult". [44] Research indicates that poorly performing students are often a significant source of stress, leading to feelings of self-doubt, fear, anxiety, anger, and frustration for preceptors.…”

“…[44] Research indicates that poorly performing students are often a significant source of stress, leading to feelings of self-doubt, fear, anxiety, anger, and frustration for preceptors. [29][30][31] Support from colleagues may help to buffer this stress. Carlson, Pilhammar, and Wann-Hansson [21] found that nurse preceptors found collegial support from their co-workers to be invaluable in creating a positive learning experience for students.…”