Preceptorship Placements in Western Rural Canadian Settings: Perceptions of Nursing Students and Preceptors

Abstract

This article reports on one theme from a grounded theory study examining the experiences of fourth year nursing undergraduate students and their rural-based preceptors. The preceptors reported issues concerning orientation and communication with faculty, integration of students into care, severe weather conditions, and lack of resources whereas the students reported issues with relocation to rural centers, accessing information, faculty contact, travel and accommodation. Addressing these issues as well as increasing theoretical content related to rural nursing practice may be effective in recruiting younger nurses via positive preceptorship experiences to rural practice, thus ensuring rural residents continue to have access to limited health services in rural settings. The findings have implications for the role of faculty in preparing, orienting, and supporting both preceptors and students.