Nurse practitioner preceptor resource needs and perceptions of institutional support

Nurse practitioner (NP) preceptors encounter stress when balancing clinical responsibilities with mentoring. Support can decrease role stress and promote preceptor resilience.

Characterize NP preceptor resource needs and their perception of support for the clinical preceptor role.

A cross-sectional, mixed-methods study used a web-based survey to identify preceptor resource needs. A convenience sample from a large, academic Midwestern university was recruited by email, with reminder emails 1 and 2 weeks after initial invitation. Survey tools included researcher-designed questions about preceptor-desired resources, an adapted Preceptor's Perception of Support Scale, and qualitative questions of preceptor needs. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and qualitative thematic analysis.

Two hundred thirty-nine of 784 surveys (30.48%) were returned. Preceptors valued free mentoring resources, desired access by "smartphone app," and identified mentoring topics of interest. They perceived adequate role preparation, clearly defined roles, supportive and knowledgeable colleagues, committed supervisors, and appropriate workload. Respondents noted the following insufficiencies: time for normal duties while precepting, preceptor resources, opportunities to share with colleagues, faculty-student time, and faculty assistance to identify student's performance problems. Qualitative data highlighted faculty-preceptor communication and compensation as preceptor concerns.

Preceptors feel a need for specific supports identified in this study. Preceptor insights inform strategies to build clinical preceptor resilience and well-being, strengthen the academic-practice partnership, and facilitate positive education outcomes. Faculty should increase communication-based support individualized to specific student needs. Resources should be developed that more fully support specific competencies and skills within NP student clinical education.