Dietetic preceptors perceive their role to include a variety of elements

Preceptors are widely used among supervised practice programs in dietetics education. The majority of information regarding preceptors and the preceptor model has been conducted outside of dietetics and has focused on the characteristics of a preceptor or the advantages and disadvantages to the preceptorship. The literature reveals that although many definitions are used to describe the "preceptor," the role of a dietetic preceptor in supervised practice has not been distinguished. The purpose of this study was to determine role perceptions among dietetic preceptors by their indications of how they currently practice vs how they believe they should practice. Directors of dietetic internships, coordinated programs, and approved preprofessional practice programs were selected via a stratified, random sampling to distribute survey materials to 3 preceptors in their programs. The mailed survey was used to gather data detailing demographic characteristics, characteristics of current precepting practices, and beliefs regarding how precepting should be executed. Utilizing concept analysis, a typology was devised. The Preceptor Typology instrument served as the foundation from which the questionnaire was based. Program directors distributed 409 survey packets; usable data were collected from 265 preceptors (64.8%). Descriptive statistics and cross-tabulations were used to analyze data. Preceptors were confident in their understanding of the preceptor role. Data revealed that preceptors perceive their role to include a variety of tasks, which may or may not be essential to the precepting role. Preceptors also indicated that they were satisfied with their performance of what they considered to be preceptor responsibilities. More than 80% specified an "excellent" or "good" understanding of what was expected of them, although greater than 85% indicated that preceptor training materials would be beneficial. Training programs should be designed to address the unique role of the preceptor and how precepting complements the sequence of dietetics education.