Exploration of Clinical Nurse Specialist Preceptors' Perception of Competencies

Despite the importance of preceptors in guiding role transitions, limited literature exists on the clinical nurse specialist (CNS) preceptor to support a symbiotic relationship with CNS students.

The aim of the study was to explore CNS preceptors' perceptions of their competencies.

A descriptive correlational design was utilized in a convenience sample of CNS preceptors across the state of North Carolina, measuring competency with the Preceptor Self-Assessment Tool (PSAT)-40 in three competency domains: interpersonal and intrapersonal skills and attitudes, knowledge and understanding, and administrative resources and support.

The majority of preceptors reported scores in the advanced and proficient range on all three domains, with the administrative resources and support domain demonstrating the lowest scores. The knowledge and understanding domain demonstrated statistically significant correlations with the highest degree held, years of CNS experience, number of CNS students precepted, and recency of last precepting experience. Both years of experience as a nurse and CNS demonstrated statistically significant correlations with the total score, with multivariate analysis also supporting CNS experience.

Better understanding CNS preceptor competencies aids in appropriate preceptor selection as well as supports the development and implementation of professional development opportunities to prepare individuals acclimating to the preceptor role.