Do preceptorship and clinical supervision programmes support the retention of nurses?

The reasons for nurse shortages are the ageing healthcare workforce, increasing demand for services, employee dissatisfaction, life-work imbalance and burnout.

To review the literature to find out whether there is evidence to support preceptorship and clinical supervision programmes in retaining nurses, and particularly newly qualified nurses (NQNs), in clinical practice.

A search of databases, as well as other sources, was carried out, with six studies selected for data analysis.

Thematic analysis was used to synthesise the results and produced seven themes: increase satisfaction, gain competence and feel more confident; competencies of preceptors and supervisors; framework or model required; the challenge to the programmes; intention to stay and staff retention; voluntary withdrawal from the nursing profession; and further support for development.

Training (preceptorship and clinical supervision programmes) is effective in retaining NQNs, increasing satisfaction, improving skills and competency and staff engagement; however, more support for both preceptors/supervisors and NQNs is needed to maximise the success of these programmes in the future.