Preceptor-guided clinical practica and the learning experiences of nursing students

In Taiwan, nearly one third of newly graduated nurses quit their first nursing job within 3 months and many never return to nursing. Because traditional clinical practice designs do not offer adequate opportunities for students to work independently, many senior nursing students lack self-confidence in their nursing skills and are not familiar with the day-to-day realities of nursing even after completing all their required clinical practica. A model for a preceptor-guided clinical practicum was designed to address this concern.

The aim of this study was to explore the learning experiences of senior nursing students who worked with preceptors during their clinical practica.

Thirteen female nursing students were interviewed to discover their perceptions of their preceptor-guided clinical practicum. All interviews were tape recorded and transcribed. Descriptions were analyzed using Colaizzi's phenomenological methodology.

Four themes emerged from the data that described the preceptorship experience in the clinical practicum: (1) information and new experience overload, (2) feelings of loneliness and stress, (3) questioning whether strict preceptors achieve the best results, and (4) beginning to feel like a nurse.

Findings suggest that it is important for nurse educators to be clear and precise about the expectations of the preceptorship experience. Orientation for both preceptors and students is essential. Support and encouragement throughout the entire practicum experience for preceptors and students is necessary to ensure program success.