Self-efficacy of preceptors in the community: a partnership between service and education

Developing partnerships between service and education is one strategy to enhance student learning. A pre-test-post-test design was used to compare changes in perceptions of self-efficacy expectations in the supervision of a team of four senior nursing students. A convenience sample of eight community practitioners completed the Community Advisor Self-Efficacy (CASE) questionnaire prior to and following a 13 week community health practicum. Following the community practicum, the preceptors were also invited to attend a focus group to discuss their experience. No significant differences were found between the pre- and post-self-efficacy scores. Community practitioners felt reasonably confident in assuming the preceptor role. They felt most efficacious in encouraging students to use agency personnel and in providing student feedback, but somewhat less confident in areas such as selecting learning experience congruent with course objectives, and trusting the students' readiness to work with communities. All strategies to assist the preceptors in assuming their role were considered helpful. Evidence of the preceptors and faculty advisors working in partnerships with the students was not clearly evident. Findings are being used to refine strategies for preparing and supporting agency personnel for their role in working with students.