The professional practice knowledge of nurse preceptors

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Clinical Practice
• Professional Development

Background:

• Preceptorship is vital for teaching and evaluating nursing students in clinical practicums.
• The traditional preceptorship triad model overlooks challenges faced by preceptors.
• Effective preceptorship ensures students develop clinical reasoning and skills for safe practice.

Purpose of the Study:

• To research the knowledge nurses acquire and integrate as preceptors.
• To understand how preceptors assess, evaluate, and teach undergraduate nursing students.
• To highlight the professional practice knowledge of nurse preceptors.

Main Methods:

• Descriptive surveys and qualitative focus groups were utilized.
• A collaborative research approach involved academia, practice, and regulatory bodies.
• The study was conducted in southern Alberta, Canada.

Main Results:

• Nurse preceptors acquire and integrate specific professional practice knowledge.
• This knowledge is crucial for effectively teaching and evaluating students.
• Findings underscore the complexities and depth of preceptor roles.

Conclusions:

• Nurse preceptors possess valuable professional practice knowledge essential for student development.
• Understanding these insights can enhance nursing education and clinical training.
• The study emphasizes the need to support and recognize the preceptor role.