Preceptor Model for Seamless Transition to Clinical Practice

Abstract

Hospitals, a large percentage of the healthcare industry, depend on registered nurses in their role in the delivery of primary bedside nursing care. When a professional novice or newly hired nurse enters the workplace setting, a major transition to practice takes place. Professional novices and newly hired nurses who are transitioning into their new roles are expected to train on all shifts as part of cross- training to gain an understanding of specific tasks for each shift. A formal preceptorship model is imperative within the healthcare facility to achieve a seamless transition to clinical practice. Such a model will reduce nurse turnover, stabilize the workforce, and ensure patient safety and delivery quality care. Preceptorship programs are vital components of the transition experience. Their significance is reflected in their role with the assigned nurse, the preceptor teaches pertinent information on the unit, supervises, and evaluates performance throughout the transition period. In some hospital settings it may be six months to a year, depending how the preceptorship program model is designed.