Preceptor Role Research Articles

National Preceptor Competency Consensus Study.

The aim of this study was to develop a consensus model of required preceptor competencies to inform preceptor selection, development, support, and assessment. The preceptor role is complex and multifaceted, requiring knowledge and skills beyond the typical RN role; however, no nationally developed standards for preceptor competencies exist. A mixed-method approach (national survey of preceptors, electronic Delphi, expert panel) was used to develop consensus on required preceptor competencies. This study identified and validated definitions for the preceptor role domains (role model, teacher/coach, facilitator, protector, socialization agent, leader/influencer, and evaluator), essential attributes for preceptors, core competencies spanning all role domains, and competencies in each role domain-components that together form the preceptor competency model. The evidence provided from this study delineates the complexity of the preceptor role and provides a consensus model of preceptor competence that can be used to select, develop, assess, evaluate, and support preceptors.

Implementing Preceptorship in Baccalaureate Nursing Program in Middle-Low-Income Countries: A Scoping Review

BACKGROUND: Preceptorship is critical for developing the next generation of nurses to provide high-quality patient care. However, challenges in implementing preceptorship programs in low-middle-income countries (LMICs) exist, affecting the quality of nursing care provided to patients. OBJECTIVES: To (1) explore the extent of literature on key strategies for effective implementation of undergraduate preceptorship nursing education in LMICs and (2) identify existing evidence and gaps in the literature about the implementation of preceptorship in LMICs. METHOD: This scoping review followed Arksey and O’Malley’s (2005) methodological framework. We used the following databases: CINHAL, PubMed, MEDLINE, and ERIC to conduct a systematic search of articles in 2023. The search strategies were focused on the following aspects: “preceptorship,” “baccalaureate nursing program,” “implementation strategies,” and “Low-middle-income countries.” Criteria for including the studies were a) preceptorship in undergraduate/ baccalaureate nursing programs, b) primary quantitative and qualitative studies, and c) implementation of preceptorships in LMICs. RESULT: Twenty-three (n=23) studies met the inclusion criteria. Five themes were identified from the analysis of the data: 1) Setting clear guidelines for preceptorship, 2) Preceptor professional development, 3) Strengthening preceptor roles in the development of future nursing force, 4) Preceptorship experience in clinical placement environment, and 5) Collaborative approach to preceptorship. CONCLUSION: This scoping review highlighted the importance of structured guidelines for preceptorship programs in elevating the quality of nursing education in LMICs. There is a paucity of evidence on preceptor professional development related to integrating evidence-based pedagogy in student supervision.

Key Role of Clinical Nurse Educators and Preceptors in Competency-Based Education.

Key Role of Clinical Nurse Educators and Preceptors in Competency-Based Education.

Registered nurses' perceptions of nursing student preceptorship: Content analysis of open-ended survey questions.

Nursing preceptors play a crucial role in supporting and educating clinical students. Understanding the perceptions and needs of nurse preceptors is essential to enhance their role as preceptors and to improve their teaching practices. This study aimed to explore preceptorship in diverse settings and specific contexts. Content analysis was performed to analyze open-ended responses from a questionnaire based on nurses' perceptions of preceptorship with undergraduate nursing students. Data were collected from two university hospitals, with different healthcare provision levels. Of the 370 responses, 295 (96%) were those of women, and 34.5% were in the age group of 41-50 years. Three main themes were identified: (1) the role of preceptorship as a key component in learning, (2) challenges in student preceptorship, and (3) personal recognition and compensation for teaching work. This study highlights the positive experiences and provides valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities faced by nurse preceptors in their teaching roles, and emphasizes the need for institutional support and educational programs to enhance their teaching responsibilities. Improving communication and collaboration among stakeholders is crucial for improving learning outcomes and satisfaction.

Process Mapping Midwifery Students' Clinical Placement in Sierra Leone: Identifying Facilitators and Barriers.

Background: Improving midwifery education is critical to improving maternal and infant health outcomes in Sierra Leone. A significant priority within midwifery education is to strengthen the clinical teaching and students' hands-on experience in the clinical setting. Objectives: To identify facilitators and challenges within midwifery students' clinical placements and to highlight areas to strengthen the clinical midwifery education system as well as the role of preceptors. Methods: We conducted a participatory process mapping with two schools of midwifery in Sierra Leone to detail steps taken by practicing midwives and midwifery faculty when students are placed in clinical settings for midwifery rotations. Findings: There were 42 participants from the Bo and Makeni regions of Sierra Leone. Participants included midwifery faculty from the Schools of Midwifery in Makeni and Bo, clinical midwives from two regional government hospitals, clinical midwives from two affiliated community health centers, and midwives from the District Health Management Teams. Three recurring themes emerged in the process. First, there was always some element of preparing or teaching the student. Second, there were administrative tasks to coordinate between the schools, clinical sites, and students, before, during, and after clinical placements. And third, there were elements of communication and collaboration between schools and clinical sites/preceptors that could be improved through shared understanding and standardization. Additional themes were inconsistencies across activities before, during, and after students' clinical placement and limited opportunities and confusion around systems of evaluating all components of the clinical placement experience. Conclusions: This study provides insight into the process of midwifery students' clinical placement and highlights facilitators to be standardized and some modifiable barriers to be addressed. As Sierra Leone and many other similar countries in sub-Saharan Africa attempt to strengthen students' clinical education through educating and developing preceptors, processing mapping can be a useful tool.

Investigation of Precepting-Related Burnout in Dietetics Preceptors

BackgroundDietetics preceptors are at risk of abandoning their role because of potential burnout. Identifying factors associated with greater and lesser burnout can help key stakeholders identify and implement strategies to prevent or mitigate burnout in dietetics preceptors. ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to identify factors associated with the burnout preceptors attribute specifically to the work of precepting. DesignThis study used a cross-sectional study design. A survey instrument including burnout measures, precepting measures, and items querying personal and work characteristics was distributed via e-mail to a random sample of 10 000 credentialed nutrition and dietetics practitioners. Participants settingRespondents who lived in the United States, were currently practicing, and had precepted during the past year were included in the sample (n = 310). The survey was conducted in October and November of 2022. Main outcome measuresPrecepting-related burnout was measured using scores on the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory; scores ranged from 0 to 100 and higher numbers indicated greater burnout. Statistical analyses performedFactors associated with precepting-related burnout were identified using an analysis of covariance. Pairwise comparisons with Tukey adjustments were done to determine differences across categories for the categorical variable in the model (ie, percent of interns requiring additional coaching). A stepwise variable selection process was performed to determine the best analytic models. ResultsFactors associated with lower precepting-related burnout in dietetics preceptors included higher Commitment to the Preceptor Role scores, lower percentages of interns requiring additional coaching, feeling appreciated by the dietetic interns, and higher Preceptors’ Perceptions of Support scores. A factor associated with higher precepting-related burnout was precepting a greater number of dietetic interns in the past year. For every 1-point change in each variable, the degree of change in precepting-related burnout was –7.9 for Commitment to the Preceptor Role, –3.2 for feeling appreciated by dietetic interns, –4.5 for Preceptors’ Perceptions of Support, and +1.2 for number of dietetic interns per year. The mean ± SE difference in precepting-related burnout scores between preceptors who reported < 10% of dietetic interns requiring additional coaching and those who reported > 50% of dietetic interns requiring additional coaching was –13.7 ± 3.7. ConclusionsThe factors found to be associated with precepting-related burnout scores in dietetics preceptors are potentially modifiable, suggesting this burnout might be prevented or mitigated to some degree.

Pengaruh Pelatihan Preceptor Mentor terhadap Kepuasan Mahasiswa dalam Bimbingan Praktik Klinis

Clinical practice learning is a learning activity held in practice settings such as hospitals, clinics, health centers and communities. Phenomenological studies state that the duties and responsibilities as a preceptor cannot be carried out optimally. Surveying student perceptions regarding the role of preceptors in practice areas, 12% stated that preceptors were less cooperative, less friendly, and less guiding; 11.3% stated that preceptors were busy with other tasks, and 15.3% stated that preceptors were busy with patients. The aim of the research was to determine the effect of preceptor mentor training on student satisfaction at the Padang DII Midwifery Study Program, Padang Ministry of Health Polytechnic. This research is quantitative research with a cross-sectional approach. The research population was clinical practice supervisors in hospitals, community health centers, and midwives' independent practice in West Sumatra. The sampling technique used total sampling with a total of 80 respondents. The research instrument is a questionnaire. The research results showed that out of a total of 80 respondents, 47 respondents (58.75%) had participated in preceptor mentor training and 38.75% of them had received student satisfaction ratings in the high category in guiding students. Conclusion : The Chi-square test result is 0.000, preceptor mentor training has an influence on student satisfaction at the DIII Midwifery Study Program, Padang Health Polytechnic, Ministry of Health, Padang in guiding clinical practice in the practice area. Recommended that the institution to collaborate with the hospital so that preceptorship training can be carried out jointly and complement each other between clinical and academic supervisors.

The Impact of an Online Preceptorship Training Program on Preceptor Self-Efficacy Among Nurse Case Managers Working in an Acute Care Setting.

The U.S. health care system is experiencing a critical workforce shortage of nurse case managers exacerbated by an older workforce and looming retirements and the growth of this specialty. This quality improvement project aimed to develop an online case manager preceptor training program and examine its impact on the nurse case manager preceptors' self-efficacy. This project was implemented at a 395-bed acute care, community-based hospital in the northeast. The target population for the intervention included a convenience sample of 13 nurse case managers who were assigned a preceptor role. The intervention was an abbreviated version of an online preceptorship program by Lippincott. The Preceptor Self-Efficacy Questionnaire (PSEQ), with a Cronbach's alpha of 0.96, measured nurse preceptors' confidence in various skills including fostering critical thinking and providing feedback. Data from pre- and post-intervention PSEQ surveys were analyzed using a Wilcoxon rank sum test in SPSS version 28. The Wilcoxon rank sum test revealed a statistically significant improvement in preceptor confidence scores ( p =.043) between pre- and post-intervention PSEQ results. This project demonstrated feasibility of an online nurse case manager preceptor training program while also identifying improved preceptors' self-efficacy. Future research can include investigating the impact of a preceptor training program on the nurse case manager learners receiving role training from the trained case manager preceptor.

Does transition theory matter? A descriptive study of a transition program in Australia based on Duchscher’s Stages of Transition Theory and Transition Shock Model.

Objective: Explore the impact of transition program policy directives grounded in foundational elements of transition theory. Background: Within fast-track health service environments nurse leaders remain committed to improving transition programs that support wellbeing and retain new graduate nurses. Duchscher’s Stages of Transition Theory and Transition Shock model was the framework chosen by the health service nurse leaders to implement in the clinical environment, however, implementing elements can be problematic without sufficient support and clear policy directives. Study Design and methods: Descriptive study using multiple methods in one major national health service that incorporates a number of private (eight) and public (four) hospitals across Australia. Online surveys were distributed to new graduate nurses at one, five and eleven months into the initial transition year. The survey tool was a synthesised adaptation of the Professional Role Transition Risk Assessment Instrument and Professional and Graduate Capability Framework. At the end of the transition year telephone interviews were conducted with the Nurse Managers who were responsible for implementing transition programs policies and processes. Resulting data were summarised using descriptive statistics for quantitative data and a thematic analysis for qualitative data. Results: 158 new graduate nurses returned the online survey and eight Nurse Managers participated in the telephone interviews. As a whole the new graduate registered nurses described feeling accepted during their transition and expressed feeling comfortable when approaching senior staff. They managed challenges of shift work and took time for self-care. The clear majority (88%) of participants reported no plans to leave the profession. Nurse Managers were able, in most clinical areas, to apply transition program policy and directives and enable the implementation of Duchscher’s Stages of Transition as the framework for the transition support initiatives. Retention of new graduates on their wards at the end of the program was determined to be a positive outcome for Nurse Managers. Discussion: A carefully structured Graduate Nurse Transition Program founded on sound theoretically grounded ideology alongside integrated policy directives guided the Nurse Managers implementation of Duchscher’s Stages of Transition Theory and Transition Shock model into practice. Additionally, a dedicated Graduate Nurse Coordinator role with a manageable ratio of graduate nurses was an important component included in the transition program at each participating hospital as it facilitated support of both graduates and Nurse Managers. These positions should be costed into any Graduate Nurse Transition Program. An interesting finding was the consistency in smaller units that were unable to provide or mobilise preceptors for the required allocated mirrored shifts and it was felt this workload management issue impacted the success of graduate transition nurse programs on those units. Conclusions: Implementing policy directives grounded in foundational elements of Duchscher’s Stages of Transition theory and Transition Shock model delivered consistent experiences for new graduate nurses across one major health service that incorporates a number of hospitals across Australia. Data suggested some practical challenges to program implementation for Nurse Managers, including unit/ward size, staffing, and varying levels of understanding of preceptor roles. Implications for research, policy, practice: Introducing formal policy directives that are grounded in strong theoretical frameworks of professional role transition, agreed to and funded by health service nurse leaders are important in guiding a consistent approach across health services in the implementation of evidence-based Graduate Nurse Transition Programs. What is already known about the topic? Duchscher’s foundational research on the Stages of Transition theory and Transition Shock model is applied to inform Graduate Nurse Transition Programs on an international level. There is a current workforce shortage within Australia and internationally. The importance of retention of newly graduated nurses has become a focus for health care services implementing supportive transition programs to prevent new graduates from leaving the profession in the first year. What this paper adds The inclusion of specific policy directives based on Duchscher’s Stages of Transition theory and Transition Shock model provides clear direction to Nurse Managers related to the required implementation steps and time frames to be met during the transition year. Additional Graduate Nurse Coordinator positions, with a manageable ratio of New Graduate Registered Nurses (NGRNs), are important supports for both graduates and Nursing Managers to meet policy directives. Additional positions should be costed within transition programs. Provides additional evidence that well supported newly graduated nurses are likely to remain within the health service.

The effect of the preceptorship training program on the participation of clinical nurses in training nursing internship students: a quasi-experimental study

IntroductionClinical education is a fundamental part of nursing professional education. One method of education is the implementation of the preceptorship program, in which clinical nurses are responsible for educating nursing students. The present study aimed to determine the effectiveness of the preceptorship training program for the participation of clinical nurses in the education of nursing students.MethodsThis quasi-experimental study was conducted in 2023 at the teaching hospital in Tehran, Iran. The sample consisted of 66 nurses from a teaching hospital selected using the accessible method and randomly were put into two groups. The workshop addressed the educational needs of preceptors and students, their readiness for their role, and strategies to effectively support students. Prior to the study, the nurses’ level of participation was assessed utilizing a valid IMSOC questionnaire that gauged their involvement in guiding nursing students. The participation rate was reassessed after one month using the same questionnaire. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 19.FindingsThe two groups were homogeneous in terms of demographic characteristics. The average score for nurses’ participation in the education of students before the intervention was 101.84 ± 15.42 in the test group and 107.24 ± 10.53 in the control group; these two groups were not significantly different (P = 0.10). After the intervention, the scores reached 118.90 ± 15.11 in the test group and 106.21 ± 11.96 in the control group, indicating a significant difference (P < 0.001). A comparison of the nurses’ participation scores in the test group indicated a significant difference from the pretest to the posttest, with the improvement in all nurses’s participation scores (P < 0.001). However, in the control group, this difference was not significant (P = 0.41).ConclusionThe preceptorship training program is effective in light of increasing the participation of clinical nurses in the education of nursing students. This program can improve various aspects, such as motivation, satisfaction, commitment, implementation, and obstacle removal. Considering the importance of clinical training for nursing students and the essential role of preceptors, it is recommended that managers and health trustees in all university hospitals implement a preceptorship training program to increase the participation of clinical nurses in the education of nursing students.

Graduates' Views of the Ontario Midwifery Education Program

A survey of all graduates of Ontario's Midwifery Education Program was done in 2003 in order to obtain their views about the adequacy of their preparation for professional practice, the satisfaction with program features and future educational aspirations. The respondents (123 of 181[68%] graduates) were nearly all working as midwives, most were working full time and more than half had been preceptors for students since the time of their own graduation. The most highly rated Program features were biological science courses, final year clinical courses, small group tutorials and skilled preceptors. The aspects of the Program that were most stressful were balancing the high demands of the Program with family responsibilities, relocating for clinical placements and having difficulties with preceptors. Overall, graduates felt well prepared for professional practice. All graduates reported undertaking continuing education and many were interested in master's level courses or programs. The crucial role of preceptors in students' educational experiences was reinforced by the survey results. preceptor development continue to be a high priority.

Assessing the Competence of Nursing Students in Clinical Practice: The Clinical Preceptors' Perspective.

Nursing students' integration of theoretical knowledge and practical abilities is facilitated by their practice of nursing skills in a clinical environment. A key role of preceptors is to assess the learning goals that nursing students must meet while participating in clinical practice. Consequently, the purpose of this study was to explore the current evidence in relation to competency assessment and assessment approaches, and the willingness of preceptors for assessing nursing students' competency in a clinical setting. The scoping review used the five-stage methodological framework that was developed by Arksey and O'Malley, as well as the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews. Relevant studies were searched by applying a comprehensive literature search strategy up to April 2024 across the following databases: CINAHL, OVID MEDLINE, EMBASE, and PUBMED. A total of 11,297 studies published between 2000 and April 2024 were revealed, and 38 were eligible for inclusion, which the research team categorised into three main themes: definitions of competence, tools for assessing competence and preceptors' and mentors' viewpoints in relation to the assessment of nursing students' competence. This review established that there are a multitude of quantitative instruments available to assess clinical competence; however, a lack of consistency among assessment instruments and approaches between countries and higher education institutions is prevalent. Existing research evidence suggests that the preceptors carried out the assessment process clinically and they found difficulties in documenting assessment. The assessing of nursing students' competency and the complexity of assessment is a concern for educators and mentors worldwide. The main concern centers around issues such as the interpretation of competence and complex measurement tools.

Midwives views about preceptorship and peer-learning in a birth unit: A cross-sectional study

BackgroundPractical training in a birthing unit is an important part of midwifery education. Previous research on the preceptor role predominantly consists of qualitative interview studies and have not explored pedagogical models like peer learning. ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to quantitatively describe midwives' experiences, conditions, and needs in their role as preceptors in a birthing unit, as well as their attitudes towards and experiences of peer-learning. DesignA cross-sectional study, using a web-survey. SettingsThe survey was distributed to all midwives working in a birthing unit in Sweden. ParticipantsA total of 573 valid responses were obtained. MethodsA questionnaire consisting of 22 questions, which included background questions, questions to be answered on a four-point Likert scale, and open-ended questions, was sent out from November 2022 to March 2023. The collected data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square, and Mann Whitney U test analyses. The open-ended responses were analysed using quantitative content analysis. ResultsMidwives with ≤10 years of experience were more hesitant about taking on the preceptor role. They also described a lack of support and found it more challenging to integrate supervision into their working hours than midwives with >10 years of experience. Time for supervision and time for reflection with midwifery students were identified as areas that could improve the quality of supervision. Of the respondents, 42.8 % had experience of peer learning. “Students learn from each other” was identified as the most common advantage of peer learning. ConclusionsLong-term experience as a midwife plays a crucial role in how midwives perceive their role as a preceptor and the conditions they experience. The midwives in this study had started supervising students earlier than they deemed advantageous. As the preceptor plays a critical role in the midwifery student's learning process, it is important to have experienced preceptors.

How early clinical experiences in rural communities influence student learning about rural generalism considered through the lens of educational theory.

Rural communities have poorer health compared to urban populations due partly to having lesser healthcare access. Rural placements during medical education can equip students with the knowledge and skills to work in rural communities, and, it is hoped, increase the supply of rural physicians. It is unclear how students gain knowledge of rural generalism during placements, and how this can be understood in terms of place-based and/or sociocultural educational theories. To gain insight into these questions we considered the experiences of pre-clerkship medical students who completed two mandatory four-week rural placements during their second year of medical school. Data was collected using semi-structured interviews or focus groups, followed by thematic analysis of the interview transcripts. Rural placements allowed students to learn about rural generalism such as breadth of practice, and boundary issues. This occurred mainly by students interacting with rural physician faculty, with the effectiveness of precepting being key to students acquiring knowledge and skills and reporting a positive regard for the placement experience. Our data show the central role of generalist physician preceptors in how and what students learn while participating in rural placements. Sociocultural learning theory best explains student learning, while place-based education theory helps inform the curriculum. Effective training and preparation of preceptors is likely key to positive student placement experiences.

The impact of preceptorship on the newly qualified nurse and preceptors working in a critical care environment: An integrative literature review.

Preceptorship has been found to be effective in supporting Newly Qualified Nurses (NQNs) during their transition into challenging environments, particularly in addressing issues related to confidence and anxiety. Effective preceptorship is an element of best practice and essential to support NQNs' transition into the critical care setting. However, the impact of preceptorship on NQNs and their preceptors in critical care units is yet to be completely understood. To review the impact of preceptorship on NQNs and preceptors working in a critical care environment. An integrative literature review of the literature. The review employed Whittemore and Knafl's (2005) five-stage integrative review approach. Three databases (MEDLINE, CINAHL and PsycINFO) were searched for papers published between January 2010 and May 2022. The PRISMA framework was used to guide the search and screening. Thematic analysis was used to extract, organize and analyse the data. Nine studies were included in this review. Reflective thematic analysis revealed three themes, with four related subthemes. Preceptorship has an impact on the development of the NQNs and preceptors' 'nurturing' relationship. NQNs develop their knowledge, competence and confidence when experiencing supportive preceptorship. Meanwhile, preceptors experience a combination of increased workload and opportunities for learning and professional development as a result of preceptorship. There is evidence of the impact of preceptorship on learning and professional development for both NQNs and preceptors, but this is a complex phenomenon and further research is required to understand this area more fully. In nursing practice, it is well-established that Newly Qualified Nurses (NQNs) often face heightened levels of anxiety and a lack of confidence when embarking on their careers, particularly in the demanding and stressful environment of critical care units. This review holds particular significance in the realm of clinical practice as it delves into the pivotal role of preceptorship in nurturing the professional growth and development of NQNs within the challenging domain of critical care. Effective preceptorship, as an essential component of best practice, plays a pivotal role in aiding NQNs' transition into critical care settings.

Nurse Preceptor Burnout: Contributing Factors.

The aim of this study was to assess nurse preceptor burnout and examine related factors. Nurse preceptors are essential to the provision of optimal hospital-based care. Preceptors guide and support nurses' transition from professional training to practice as well as movement within practice roles. As a component of the DevelopYou database, nurse preceptors (N = 210) were surveyed electronically using the BHLex Preceptor Role Questionnaire. Data retrieved from this data set were analyzed. Twenty-eight percent (n = 60) of participants experienced burnout. Most (n = 203, 96.7%) enjoyed their role. Reasons for becoming a preceptor included a love for teaching, a desire to help others, and feelings of responsibility to the profession and the institution. Strategies to enable perceived value of the role focused on activities involving person-to-person interactions. On the basis of the results of this analysis, it is apparent that nurse preceptors want to feel valued and supported by administration and have opportunities to interact regularly with colleagues.

The interprofessional practice experiences of final-semester prelicensure BSN students completing clinical immersion: A descriptive qualitative study

BackgroundThe goal of interprofessional practice experiences in health professions programs is to develop interprofessional collaborative practice skills. PurposeThe purpose of the study was to explore the meaning final-semester Bachelor of Science in Nursing students attributed to interprofessional practice experiences during clinical immersion. MethodsThe theoretical framework for this descriptive qualitative study was experiential learning theory. A sample of 12 participants was drawn from final-semester prelicensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing students at a college of nursing at a public research university. Data were collected through one-on-one semi-structured interviews and analyzed through inductive thematic analysis. ResultsThe analysis yielded four themes: professional and interprofessional identity, working with team members, communication practices, and trusting relationships. Patterns across themes were clinical environment culture, nursing school preparation, nurse preceptor role, fear/concern/worry, and night shift. ConclusionConsistency in preceptors, welcoming clinical environments, and opportunities to practice communicating with team members contributed to interprofessional collaborative practice skill development and improved perceptions of readiness for practice. Academic and clinical educators may use findings to (a) identify immersion placements for interprofessional practice experiences, (b) design curricula reflective of interprofessional practice, (c) advance teaching strategies to promote interprofessional practice, and (d) create learning environments that aid in professional and interprofessional identity formation.

Novice Preceptors Facilitating Nursing Student Clinicals: A Roadmap for Success.

Nursing professional development practitioners rely on nurse preceptors to guide the development of nursing staff and students. A lack of experienced preceptors may require individuals who have limited to no experience in precepting to serve in the preceptor role. Nursing professional development practitioners should be prepared to effectively support and develop novice preceptors. This article analyzes the development and implementation of a novel educational resource that assists the novice preceptor in facilitating nursing student clinicals.

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

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.

Core competencies for Registered Nurse preceptors: A mapping review of quantitative studies.

To review the contemporary international literature on nurse preceptor competencies and map the components and their descriptors. A mapping review. Articles reporting evidence-based and validated Registered Nurse (RN) preceptor competencies published between 2013 and 2022 were identified. Open access databases such as PubMed and Google Scholar and the library healthcare databases Scopus and CINAHL were searched. The authors collaborated at each review stage that included screening, article selection, tabulation, mapping and preparation of findings. Seven quantitative studies were included. Three were based on existing nurse preceptor competency data sets and four were purposely developed using collaborative research methods. Each study validated findings through a survey of nurse stakeholders. Three key competencies shared across all studies were 'facilitating teaching', 'being a role model' and 'evaluating student's performance'. The number of competency categories ranged from three to 10 and the accompanying item descriptors from 9 to 83. Although terminology describing data sets was inconsistent, similarity was seen across competency domains. The contemporary nursing preceptor role is considered an emerging specialist education role. The results offer a set of validated preceptor competency descriptors, applicable to practice, that provide insight into ways employers may recruit, support and retain nurse preceptors. The mapped results provide a concise summary of nurse preceptor competency research internationally that can inform further development of RN preceptors. This review addresses the lack of consensus around nursing preceptor competencies for clinical supervision of undergraduate nursing students. Seven competency domains were identified describing key preceptor role capabilities. The domains Facilitator', 'Role model' and 'Evaluator' featured across the included studies: 'More than 300 competency descriptors were reported'. Our review results could better prepare RN preceptors for their important role. Employers of RN preceptors could use the results to design performance competencies that may enhance nursing preceptorship. This review adheres to the PRISMA-ScR EQUATOR guidelines as the recommended reporting method for mapping reviews.