Preceptors' perceptions of a preceptorship programme for newly qualified nurses

SummaryBackgroundA study was undertaken into preceptors' perceptions of a preceptorship programme for newly-qualified nurses. The preceptorship programme is designed to enable newly qualified nurses to make the transition from student to registered nurse. Preceptors undergo a training programme to take on the role of preceptor.ObjectivesTo evaluate the preceptors' perception of the preceptorship programme.DesignMixed method evaluative research design was used.SettingThis study took place in one National Health Service Healthcare Trust in South West London, UK.ParticipantsNinety preceptors were invited to participate in the study and the response rate was 44.4% (n = 40). The study took place in 2011.MethodsQualitative and quantitative data were collected through questionnaires and one-to-one interviews with a convenience sample of preceptors. Quantitative data were analysed using SPSS, version 18; qualitative data were analysed using the Framework Method.FindingsFrom the quantitative data seven themes emerged. These were preceptors' perceptions of: the personal development of preceptees; the role development of preceptees; the communication skills development of preceptees; the clinical development of preceptees; the development of professional relationships by preceptees; value of the preceptorship programme to the organisation and value of being a preceptor in terms of their own professional development. Qualitative analysis confirmed many of the findings from the statistical analysis and was used to triangulate those findings.ConclusionsThe preceptors largely viewed the preceptorship programme and their role within this programme positively. Although difficulties in making time to meet with preceptees was an issue, the preceptorship experience was perceived to have a positive impact on several aspects of preceptee development as well as on the organisation and on the preceptors' own development. The study is unique when mapped against other research studies because there is little in the literature about studies into preceptors' perceptions of preceptorship programmes.