Precepting new graduate nurses: The motivations and career development opportunities of preceptors - A qualitative...

To describe what motivates preceptors to engage in the preceptorship of new graduate nurses, including their perceptions of career advancement and skill development opportunities afforded by the role.

Preceptors are vital in nursing workplaces for the retention of new graduates. Yet, little is known about the factors that motivate preceptors, including the skills and career possibilities emerging from preceptorship practices. Evidence identified in the literature primarily relates to preceptorship in general and to undergraduate nursing students. Preceptorship motivations and outcomes may be different for preceptors who support new graduate nurses.

Qualitative description.

Preceptors in non-critical care wards were recruited from a large, public, multi-site hospital network in Australia. Semi-structured, individual interviews were undertaken with preceptors (n = 9) of new graduate nurses. Data were thematically analysed.

Analysis revealed three themes and nine subthemes: Theme 1 'Knowing your motivations and staying motivated' (Subthemes - 'Being invested in nurturing future generations', 'Knowing the struggles preceptees encounter', 'Commitment to team strength and cohesion' and 'Using accumulated knowledge and skills'); Theme 2 'Maturation of own capacity' (Subthemes - 'Keeping up with the times', 'Strengthening communication skills', 'Advancing learning and teaching skills', 'Managing competing priorities' and 'Stronger with every step'); Theme 3 'Preceptorship leads to leadership'.

Preceptorship of new graduate nurses is motivated by multiple factors. Outcomes for preceptors include strengthening of professional skills and potential for career growth. Further research is recommended.