Reflections on setting up a nursing preceptorship programme.

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Healthcare Professional Development

Background:

• Preceptorship programmes are standard for newly qualified nurses in the UK's National Health Service (NHS).
• The Nursing and Midwifery Council mandates protected learning time and preceptor support for early-career nurses.
• Implementing effective preceptorship is crucial for nurse retention and competence.

Purpose of the Study:

• To discuss the implementation of a preceptorship programme in a large NHS Trust.
• To share reflections and learning from the programme's initial rollout.
• To provide guidance for other UK healthcare organisations developing similar initiatives.

Main Methods:

• Case study of a preceptorship programme implementation.
• Qualitative reflection on experiences and challenges.
• Analysis of learning points for wider dissemination.

Main Results:

• The programme provided structured support for newly qualified nurses.
• Protected learning time was successfully integrated into practice.
• Preceptors offered valuable guidance and mentorship.

Conclusions:

• The implemented preceptorship programme aligns with regulatory requirements.
• Reflections offer practical insights for successful programme rollout.
• Sharing learning facilitates the adoption of effective preceptorship across the UK.