Pandemic Impact on the Preceptor/New Nurse Dyad

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Healthcare Management
• Pandemic Impact Studies

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic introduced unprecedented challenges to healthcare systems globally.
• The preceptor role, crucial for integrating new nurses, faced significant disruption in out-of-hospital settings.
• Understanding these disruptions is vital for maintaining effective nursing workforce development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To qualitatively examine the pandemic's effects on the preceptor role in out-of-hospital settings.
• To explore the preceptor/new nurse working relationship dynamics before and during the pandemic.
• To identify challenges faced by preceptors during this period.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative study design.
• Exploration of preceptor experiences in out-of-hospital settings during the pandemic.
• Analysis of preceptor/new nurse working relationships.

Main Results:

• The pandemic significantly altered the preceptor role and the dynamics of the preceptor/new nurse working relationship.
• Preceptors encountered unique challenges adapting to the evolving healthcare landscape.
• The study identified a need for revised preceptor support strategies.

Conclusions:

• Preceptor education requires adaptation for the "new normal" post-pandemic.
• Enhanced preparation for "letting go" of the preceptor/new nurse relationship is recommended.
• Increased utilization of technology for just-in-time learning for preceptors is suggested.