Preceptors’ perceptions on benefits, rewards, supports and commitment to the preceptor role

Abstract

Background: The Preceptorship model has been adopted to support nursing students and newly recruited nurses for their learning in the clinical setting in Singapore. The success of the Preceptorship model depends very much on preceptors. It is important to understand the preceptors’ perceptions on benefits, rewards, supports, as well as preceptors’ commitment to the role. Objective: The objectives of this descriptive correlational quantitative study were to examine the relationships between the preceptors’ perceptions on benefits, rewards, supports and commitment to the preceptor role. Methods: The study was conducted in a tertiary hospital in Singapore. There were two hundred and forty one (241) preceptors (74.6%) from inpatient wards participated in this study. The study used a four-part validated questionnaire including demographic information section, Preceptor's Perception of Benefits and Rewards Scale, Preceptor's Perception of Support Scale and Commitment to the Preceptor Role Scale. Data were collected from 3 July to 14 August 2012 and were analyzed using SPSS. Results: Preceptors’ commitment to the role was positively associated with the preceptors’ perceptions of benefits and rewards (rs (234) = 0.64, P < 0.01) and the preceptors’ perceptions on support. The number of times the preceptors had assumed the preceptoring role was positively associated with the preceptors’ perceptions on benefits and rewards and their commitment to the role. Conclusion: Preceptors are an integral part of the educational support to nurse learners, students and graduates in the clinical environment. Appropriate benefits, rewards and supports are needed to promote preceptors’ commitment to the role.