Psychometric Testing of a Scale Measuring Preceptor Preparedness: The Cap-ExPresS^TM Study

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Healthcare Professional Development
• Psychometrics

Background:

• Preceptors are crucial for educating novice generalist nurses.
• Existing instruments to measure preceptor preparedness are lacking.
• This study addresses the need for a validated tool to assess preceptor readiness.

Purpose of the Study:

• To psychometrically test the Capstone-Experience Preceptor Preparedness Scale (Cap-ExPresS™).
• To establish the validity and reliability of the Cap-ExPresS™ for assessing preceptor preparedness.
• To provide a tool for identifying preceptor learning needs and evaluating interventions.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional, multi-site survey design was employed.
• Data were collected from a convenience sample of 118 preceptors across four Midwest hospitals.
• Exploratory factor analysis and reliability analyses (Cronbach's alpha, test-retest) were conducted.

Main Results:

• The 22-item Cap-ExPresS™ demonstrated strong internal consistency reliability (total scale alpha = 0.95).
• Four factors were identified: student-centeredness, pedagogic competence, clinical competence, and nurse professionalism.
• Adequate test-retest reliability was observed, and some evidence of predictive validity was found.

Conclusions:

• Psychometric testing supports the validity and reliability of the Cap-ExPresS™.
• The scale effectively measures preceptor preparedness and can identify learning needs.
• Cap-ExPresS™ can inform the development of best practices and evaluate educational interventions for preceptors.