Acknowledging preceptors: not an easy task

Educators commonly discuss the need to reward nurse preceptors. A survey of 295 preceptors teaching nursing students found 118 nurses (36.6%) did not feel a reward was appropriate, while the remainder felt it was. When asked if they had enough support, 68 (22.9%) reported "no" and 213 (73%) reported "yes." Recommendations stemming from this research include: the need to redefine "reward" to be more congruent with the preceptor's perceptions; to provide acknowledgment to preceptors reflective of their educational and professional role; and to recognize that the ongoing communication and feedback with nursing faculty is a crucial factor in preceptors' perceptions of support.