Evaluating the effects of a nurse preceptorship programme

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Healthcare Workforce Development
• Professional Transition

Background:

• Nurse preceptorship programs aim to support the transition from student to staff nurse.
• Economic pressures may threaten the continuation of these vital programs.
• Preceptorship is crucial for nurse recruitment and retention in contemporary healthcare.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the transition process for new graduate nurses participating in a preceptorship program.
• To assess the impact of preceptorship on the professional integration of newly qualified nurses.

Main Methods:

• The study evaluated the transition experiences of new graduates in a preceptorship program.
• Objective measures and qualitative verbalizations were used to assess the transition experience.

Main Results:

• Objective measures did not confirm the transition as a highly emotional experience.
• New graduates reported feelings of psychosocial discomfort during their transition.
• The effectiveness of the preceptorship program may have mitigated more negative emotional states.

Conclusions:

• Nurse preceptorship programs are essential for facilitating the integration of new nurses into the professional role.
• These programs remain necessary interventions for supporting newly graduated nurses.
• Preceptorship plays a key role in retaining nurses within the healthcare sector.