The Human Cost of Attrition: A Qualitative Study of Preceptor Experiences in an Acute Care Setting

Abstract

There is a knowledge gap concerning preceptor experiences, feelings, and attitudes following departure of recently trained staff. Employee resignations and insufficient academic admissions to backfill current vacancies reinforce the critical need to support preceptors responsible for staff on-boarding. This paper presents a study on a qualitative approach to explore preceptor feelings, attitudes, and experiences following voluntary departure of recently trained staff. Themes included preceptor role commitment, feelings of inadequacy and emotional distress, the need to find closure following staff departures, variances in intrinsic motivation, and perceptions of disengaged and unsupportive managers. The results of the study emphasize the importance of manager-preceptor communication, strengthening preceptor mentoring, and educating managers on the preceptor role.