Preceptorships in high-risk perinatal nursing for rural nurses: a pilot project

A need existed in New Mexico to enhance the skills of nurses in rural areas in the management of high-risk perinatal patients. However, barriers prohibited initiating such a program, including: a) program development and approval; b) legal and insurance issues; c) determining financial responsibility; and d) application and selection process. Resolving these problems came in the form of a collaborative effort among three departments at the University of New Mexico. A preceptor program of clinical and classroom experiences was developed for nurses outside of the Albuquerque metropolitan area. Evaluations of the program at six months revealed that program participants had implemented changes in their nursing practice. Revisions of the program and plans for the future are discussed.