Understanding mentoring and preceptorship: clarifying the quagmire

Mentoring! Preceptorship! These two terms are widely used within nursing. The vast literature on mentoring and preceptorship defines these concepts as discrete roles. However, confusion exists as to what defines mentorship when compared to preceptorship. It is apparent that these terms are being used interchangeably, despite the obvious and not so obvious differences portrayed in the literature. The authors therefore have questioned whether the roles of a mentor and preceptor are discrete and unique or can be integrated into one role? Furthermore, is one of these constructs more appropriate to new academics whilst the other is more appropriate for nurses in the clinical setting? This discussion paper is a journey into understanding preceptorship and mentoring and the value of sustaining a relationship with both.