Nursing preceptorship in primary health care in a frontier capital in the western Amazon

Abstract

To analyze the conceptions of nurse preceptors about preceptorship, as well as the strengths and weaknesses of collaborative practices in Porto Velho, a frontier capital in the western Amazon. A qualitative, descriptive, and exploratory study was conducted with 39 nurse preceptors in primary health care (PHC) units in urban Porto Velho between 2019 and 2020. We identified three thematic categories: (i) plurality of roles played by nurse preceptors; (ii) collaborative practices—the barriers from the perspective of nurse preceptors; and (iii) deconstruction and reconstruction of know-how to qualify patient care. It is necessary to qualify PHC preceptors who accompany students and residents with the pedagogical components of evaluation and contents beyond their professional practice. Some nurse preceptors have already found strategies for developing interprofessional practices based on person-centered care and teamwork, revealing to students that collaborative practices are based on mutual respect and collective know-how.